Associate Scientist II, Immune Cell Engineering

Company Overview:

Strand Therapeutics is a clinical stage biotechnology company utilizing synthetic biology to genetically program mRNA to deliver truly revolutionary immunotherapies to patients.

Building on the idea of creating smart therapies based on Boolean logic circuits, Strand was started by biological engineers working together at MIT who were seeking to apply the concept of the emerging field of mRNA therapeutics. Strand's technology is therapeutic-area and mRNA modality agnostic where therapeutic proteins are encoded onto modified, self-replicating, or circular mRNA backbones which in turn are programmed with cell-specific sensors and circuits.

Today, Strand has established multiple programmable mRNA platforms with one clinical stage asset and several programs in preclinical development as well as early discovery. Our lead program, STX-001, is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1 clinical trial for solid tumors. Our corporate headquarters is located in the Fenway district of Boston, Massachusetts.

Become the next standout single strand!

Job Summary:

Strand is looking for people who have the enthusiasm and motivation to be a highly contributing member of a team with significant impact on Strand's cell engineering programs. This opportunity will offer the employee the ability to work in a cross-functional environment and be a part of the future strategy of the company.

We are looking for an Associate Scientist II to support our molecular and cellular assay development and execution to support drug development efforts at Strand Therapeutics. The ideal candidate will have experience in mammalian cell culture including primary cell isolation and handling as well as hands-on experience with flow cytometry and immune associated assays. The candidate will be expected to work in an innovative, fast-paced, collaborative biotech environment and contribute to multi-disciplinary team activities.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact as a scientifically motivated self-starter capable of independently conceiving, conducting, and critically analyzing their own work with minimal supervision. This position reports to a Senior Scientist within the Research and Translational Development organization.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Handling primary cells, particularly immune cells including cell isolation and culture.
• Designing and performing in vitro assays with immune cells to assess cytotoxicity, proliferation, cytokine secretion, etc.
• Plasmid cloning, RNA handling, IVT, transfection and transduction of primary cells.
• Multi-color flow cytometry panel design and execution.
• Cell-based and molecular biology assays with standard readout techniques.
• Contribute to assay development and optimization processes as needed.
• Work closely across teams to support cross-collaborative efforts.

Qualifications:

• B.S. with at least 2-3+ years of relevant experience or M.S. with at least 1-2+ years of relevant experience in cell biology and/or immunology
• Experience handling, isolating, and culturing primary immune cells required.
• Experience with flow cytometry operation required. Experience in FACS data analysis is preferred.
• Mammalian cell manipulation using mRNA transfection and/or electroporation highly desired.
• Experience performing cell-based assays including in vitro/ex vivo cytotoxicity assays, proliferation, ELISA will be preferred.
• Experience in molecular biology methods including cloning, qPCR, ddPCR and Western Blot is a plus.
• Strong collaboration and inter-personal skills.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize to meet important deadlines.
• Prior experience in a biotech or pharmaceutical industry setting is strongly preferred.

Strand offers a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, team-focused small company environment. We also offer a top-notch benefits package (health, dental, life, open PTO, onsite lunch catering, commuter support and more) and work/life flexibility and integration. Being part of the Strand team allows you to become part of a small team that supports professional development while working together to meet Strand's goals.

Strand Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis protected by applicable law. Strand does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: commensurate with role and experience