Scientist I, Molecular Biology

About Tonix*

Tonix is a biopharmaceutical company, publicly traded on NASDAQ (ticker: TNXP). The Company is focused on commercializing, developing, discovering and licensing therapeutics to treat and prevent human disease. Tonix markets Zembrace SymTouch (sumatriptan injection) 3 mg and Tosymra (sumatriptan nasal spray) 10 mg. Zembrace SymTouch and Tosymra are each indicated for the treatment of acute migraine with or without aura in adults. Tonix's development portfolio is composed of central nervous system (CNS), rare disease, immunology and infectious disease product candidates. Tonix's CNS development portfolio includes both small molecules and biologics to treat pain, neurologic, psychiatric and addiction conditions. The Company's immunology portfolio includes biologics to address organ transplant rejection, autoimmunity, and cancer. Tonix's infectious disease pipeline consists of a vaccine in development to prevent smallpox and monkeypox, which also serves as the live virus vaccine platform or recombinant pox vaccine platform for other infectious diseases.

Position Overview

Tonix Pharmaceuticals is seeking a Molecular Biology Scientist to design, clone, and optimize next-generation constructs for vaccine and therapeutic development, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and computational biology tools into construct design and analysis.

This role will combine molecular cloning and recombinant DNA expertise with AI-driven sequence optimization, protein structure prediction, and high-throughput data analysis to accelerate construct development. The scientist will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including virology, immunology, protein expression, and bioinformatics, to advance candidates through preclinical development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Molecular Cloning & Construct Optimization
• Design, generate, and optimize recombinant DNA constructs using both traditional molecular biology methods and AI-assisted design algorithms.
• Apply AI-based protein modeling and sequence optimization tools (e.g., AlphaFold, Rosetta, or custom machine learning pipelines) to improve antigen stability, folding, and immunogenicity.
• Perform molecular cloning (restriction enzyme, Gibson, or Gateway cloning) and plasmid construction for enhanced expression.
• Conduct site-directed mutagenesis to introduce targeted modifications identified through AI and bioinformatics analysis.
• Sequence and verify cloned constructs, ensuring integrity and fidelity.
• Cell-Based Assay Development
• Express and validate constructs in mammalian cell systems.
• Evaluate protein expression levels and stability using western blotting and ELISA.
• Conduct in vitro assays to assess antigenicity and function of expressed constructs.
• AI & Data Science Integration
• Develop and refine AI/ML models for construct ranking, sequence variant prediction, and structure-function correlation.
• Integrate multi-omics and high-throughput assay data into predictive AI workflows to guide iterative construct design.
• Collaborate with bioinformatics engineers to maintain robust computational pipelines in R, Python, or similar platforms
• Data Analysis & Documentation
• Analyze experimental results using statistical and AI-based analytical tools.
• Maintain detailed experimental records and ensure compliance with company and regulatory standards.
• Present findings to internal project teams and contribute to technical reports and publications.

Qualifications

• M.S. in Molecular Biology, Virology, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated proficiency in molecular cloning, plasmid construction, and sequence verification.
• Experience with AI/ML tools for protein structure prediction, sequence optimization, or assay data analysis.
• Skilled in PCR/qPCR assay design and execution.
• Proficient in mammalian cell culture and transient/stable transfection methods.
• Strong programming and data analysis skills in R, Python, or similar languages.

Preferred

• Experience applying AI/ML in vaccine or biologics design.
• Familiarity with structural biology and computational protein engineering tools.
• Background in viral vector construction or vaccine platform technologies.
• Physical & Operational Requirements
• Ability to work in BSL-2 or higher laboratory environments.
• Proficiency in aseptic technique and safe laboratory practices.
• Willingness to work with viral vectors and recombinant materials.

What You Will Gain

This is an opportunity to combine cutting-edge molecular biology with ML/AI-driven design to accelerate the development of next-generation vaccines and therapeutics. Your work will directly impact construct performance, shorten development timelines, and contribute to Tonix's mission to deliver innovative solutions for unmet medical needs.

Recruitment & Staffing Agencies

Tonix does not accept agency resumes unless contacted directly by internal Tonix Talent Acquisition. Please do not forward resumes to Tonix employees or any other company location; Tonix is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

Compensation & Benefits

Annualized base salary ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 plus target incentive; actual salaries will vary and may be above or below this range commensurate with several factors including experience, education, training, location, and merit.

Tonix provides a comprehensive compensation and benefits package which includes:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance, Basic and Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account, and Employee Assistance Programs
• Pet Insurance
• Retirement Savings 401k with company match and annual discretionary stock options
• Generous Paid Time Off, Sick Time, & Paid Holidays
• Career Development and Training

Tonix provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetics, or any other characteristic protected by law. In addition to federal law requirements, Tonix complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfers, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Tonix expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic, information, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.