Contract
Scientist/Senior Scientist
Analytical Development, Contract
Posted on 10/1/2025
Orbital Therapeutics
11-50 employees
RNA-based medicines development and delivery platform
No salary listed
Cambridge, MA, USA
In Person
 Lab & Research (3) |
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- PhD or M.S. in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry or related discipline.
- Must have 2+ years of working experience in CAR-T cell therapy and/or related area.
- Hands-on experience with multiple immortalized and primary cell lines is required, extensive experience in characterization of immune cells using flow cytometry and other functional assays is highly desired.
- Hands-on experience on Flow Cytometry is required.
- Manage the development and pre-qualification work of multiple cell-based assays for RNA/LNP drug substance and drug product.
- Coordinate with other colleagues within analytical development and research group to transfer the phase-appropriate methods to external testing labs for GMP release testing and stability program.
- Work as subject matter expert to ensure potency assay(s) are implemented at external QC testing lab(s) with technical support including troubleshooting potential issues during the transfer and qualification process.
- Draft and review development reports, testing methods, other SOPs, and assist in the preparation of CMC regulatory filings.
- Work with other SMEs to onboard new bioassays and improve existing assay performance.
- Work collaboratively and communicates data effectively through internal and external partners.
- The role is a lab-based contract position.
- Experience with biochemical assays such as ELISA, Western blot, qPCR, etc. is desired.
- Experience with assay transfer and qualification from development lab to external testing labs for early-stage program is desired.
- Strong problem-solving skills and proven ability to work independently and in a team in a startup environment is preferred.
- Demonstrated track record of consistently meeting deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Detail-oriented in assay development and documentation in a regulatory environment is desired.
Orbital Therapeutics creates RNA-based medicines (not including siRNA) and builds a platform that combines RNA design, delivery methods, data science, and automation to develop a wide range of therapies. Its initial focus areas are vaccines, immunomodulation, and protein replacement. The company develops and commercializes RNA medicines, selling them to healthcare providers who administer treatment to patients. It differentiates itself through an integrated platform that merges RNA technology with delivery and automated data-driven workflows to accelerate discovery and development. Led by experts in genetic medicine, including Dr. Giuseppe Ciaramella, the team leverages deep experience in antivirals, immunology, and biotherapeutics to guide research. The goal is to improve global health by making RNA medicines accessible for diseases previously difficult to treat.
Company Size
11-50
Company Stage
Acquired
Total Funding
$1.8B
Headquarters
San Francisco, California
Founded
2022
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Bristol Myers Squibb acquires Orbital for $1.5 billion, validating platform.
- OTX-201 shows full B cell depletion in non-human primates per July 2025 data.
- Plans IND filing and clinical trials for OTX-201 in first half 2026.
What critics are saying
- OTX-201 fails Phase 1/2 trials due to human efficacy mismatches in 18-36 months.
- BMS integration causes CEO Ron Philip departure, disrupting expertise in 12-24 months.
- FDA delays OTX-201 IND beyond H1 2026 over circular RNA regulatory uncertainty.
What makes Orbital Therapeutics unique
- Orbital pioneers circular RNA for in vivo CAR-T therapy OTX-201 targeting CD19.
- Platform integrates RNA design, targeted LNPs, and AI for immune reprogramming.
- Focuses on autoimmune diseases via B cell depletion and immune reset.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↑ 6%1 year growth
↑ 18%2 year growth
↑ 23%Acquisition includes OTX-201, an investigational next-generation CAR T-cell therapy designed to reprogram cells in vivo with potential best-in-class profile for autoimmune diseases Transaction further strengthens BMS’s industry-leading cell therapy portfolio, expanding CAR T-cell access to more patients in the future Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY, “BMS”) and Orbital Therapeutics (“Orbital”) today announced a definitive agreement under which BMS will acquire Orbital, a privately held biotechnology company pioneering a new generation of RNA medicines that reprogram the immune system in vivo , enabling treatments that provide the precision, control, and flexibility needed to address the underlying biology and unique complexities of each disease. “ In vivo CAR T represents a novel treatment approach that could redefine how we treat autoimmune diseases,” said Robert Plenge, MD, PhD, executive vice president, Chief Research Officer, BMS. “This acquisition enhances our robust cell therapy
International law firm Covington & Burling LLP has advised multinational biopharmaceutical company Bristol Myers Squibb in its definitive agreement to acquire biotech company Orbital Therapeutics.
"Since inception, Orbital has made significant strides developing a differentiated RNA platform designed to enable a new generation of RNA medicines that reach more tissues, address more diseases, and benefit more patients.
Orbital Therapeutics, a biotechnology company pioneering a new generation of RNA medicines that reprogramme the immune system in vivo to treat disease at its source, have appointed Adam Raff, as Senior Vice President, Clinical Development.
Orbital is developing OTX-201 for B cell-driven autoimmune diseases, where the therapeutic goal is to deplete autoreactive B cells and reset the immune system.