Scientist, mRNA Analytical Development
Biotechnology company developing epigenetic reprogramming medicines for age-related disease, Bay Area
| Employer | Biotechnology company developing epigenetic reprogramming medicines for age-related disease, Bay Area (not named) |
|---|---|
| Location | South San Francisco, CA (Bay Area) · On-site |
| Type & level | Full-time · Mid-level |
| Pay | USD 120k–155k base Source: pay range stated in the source posting |
| Visa path | O-1A fit |
| Role family | mRNA / Vaccine Platform Scientist |
About the role
This role sets up the analytical testing capability for DNA templates and mRNA drug substance as programs move toward the clinic. The scientist works in Technical Operations and connects with delivery sciences, research teams and external manufacturers. The assays built here will guide mRNA process development decisions.
What you'll do
- Develop and establish methods for release and characterization of DNA templates and mRNA drug substance.
- Lead studies of method robustness, specificity, sensitivity, precision, accuracy and linearity, and set phase-appropriate criteria.
- Serve as the mRNA analytical lead for CMC program teams.
- Run routine testing, investigate unexpected impurities, degradation or atypical results, and maintain instruments, standards and reagents.
- Write method protocols and technical development reports, and support method transfer and qualification at CDMOs.
- Manage outsourcing of advanced analytical techniques to CROs when needed.
Requirements
- PhD in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, chemical engineering or a related field with 0–3 years of industry experience, or an MS with 5+ years or BS with 7+ years.
- Experience developing and qualifying a broad range of mRNA analytical methods.
- Hands-on HPLC experience such as IP-RP-HPLC and SEC, plus capillary electrophoresis and plate-based impurity assays like qPCR and ELISA.
- Ability to design, run and troubleshoot experiments independently.
- Strong data analysis, technical writing and communication skills.
Nice to have
- Understanding of the analytical method lifecycle and phase-appropriate qualification.
- Experience with sequencing workflows and analysis, including Sanger and Oxford Nanopore.
- Experience developing cell-based potency assays.
- LC-MS assay experience for poly(A) tail length and capping efficiency.
- Experience transferring analytical methods to CDMOs.
Pay & benefits
USD 120k–155k base. The posting lists health, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) with company match, paid parental leave, 20 days of PTO plus holidays, and on-site meals and snacks.
Pay source: pay range stated in the source posting. Market data, not an offer from O1DMatch.
Visa path
Scientists in mRNA analytics and CMC often support an O-1A petition with publications, patents, peer review activity, conference presentations and documented original contributions to method development. The posting states no citizenship restriction. An employer like this one or a U.S. agent can file the petition, and approval depends on the individual's evidence.
How to get matched
- Take the free eligibility checkAn AI review of your background against the eight O-1 criteria, at check.o1dmatch.com.
- Create your profile with code WORKWITHUSIt unlocks the Starter plan at no cost. Tell us your field and the work you do today.
- Upload your evidenceEach document is sorted under the criterion it supports, and your criteria map shows what is still missing.
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