The Position

We are seeking a Research Associate or Senior Research Associate to join a team focused on process development of messenger RNA (mRNA) for Verve’s novel CRISPR gene editing therapies. The ideal candidate will have interest in nucleic acid bioprocess development, chemical engineering, and problem solving. You will join a team conducting laboratory studies to support process development of mRNA as a drug substance. The ideal candidate will have process development industry experience and a desire to contribute to a team focused on establishing science-based manufacturing solutions for complex nucleic acid-based products.

Job Responsibilities

• Plan and execute experiments at bench scale to support process development, scale up, and optimization of Verve’s mRNA drug substance manufacturing process.
• Carefully execute a wide range of experiments to assist in establishing a science-based understanding of mRNA technology, process development and process scale-up.
• Perform routine analytics to support understanding of RNA technology and processes including but not limited to fluorescence, HPLC and ELISA based techniques.
• Opportunity to collaborate with cross-functional analytical development, tech transfer, external manufacturing as well as facility and operations colleagues.
• Write protocols, perform experiments, organize and analyze data, interpret results, record experiments in an electronic lab notebook, and summarize work in presentations and technical reports.
• Maintain a safe and high performing laboratory by ordering supplies, making buffers and reagents, caring for laboratory equipment and supporting continuous improvement initiatives related to lab operations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• B.S or M.S. in biological sciences, chemistry, or biomedical/chemical engineering, with 0-5 years of relevant industry experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of nucleic acid and or biologics process development is preferred
• Experience in downstream process development is ideal
• Experience with practices and equipment used in process development of nucleic acids; including execution of preparative chromatography processes using an Akta Avant, and TFF is strongly preferred
• Knowledge of analytical methods commonly used for nucleic acid is preferred; including fluorescence, capillary gel electrophoresis, analytical HPLC and ELISA based techniques
• Attention to detail, critical analysis of data and troubleshooting abilities
• Good writing and communication skills; ability to understand and communicate scientific information