Senior Scientist

ProGenis Pharmaceuticals; Australia; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

ProGenis Pharmaceuticals seeks a Senior Scientist with strong expertise in cell culture, molecular biology, and assay development to support discovery and pre-clinical development of RNA-based therapeutics. You will contribute to in vitro and in vivo studies, evaluating efficacy, mechanism, and PK/PD relationships from early discoveries through candidate selection.

You will design and execute cell-based assays, culture diverse cell types, and apply qPCR, RT-qPCR, and Western blotting to address

Qualifications

• PhD (or Masters with substantial relevant experience) in molecular biology, cell biology, biotechnology, or related field.
• Experience with RNA therapeutic development from early discovery through pre-clinical development with strong background in oligonucleotide, siRNA, ASO, mRNA or CRISPR platforms.
• Hands-on experience with in vivo studies in rodent models and a working knowledge of animal ethics requirements.
• A track record of research output, such as peer-reviewed publications or conference presentations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment.
• Strong data analysis, documentation, and communication skills.
• Applicants must have the right to live and work in Australia.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyse cell-based assays to evaluate RNA therapeutic activity and mechanism of action.
• Culture and maintain various cell types, including established cell lines, primary cells, and iPSCs.
• Perform molecular and protein biology techniques, including nucleic acid isolation, qPCR, RT-qPCR, and Western blotting.
• Develop, optimise, and implement new protocols and assays to address key scientific questions.
• Guide and support in vivo efficacy studies and interpret PK/PD relationships.
• Liaise with external collaborators, CROs and service providers, and contribute to animal ethics applications, SOPs and study documentation.
• Analyse data, document experiments, and present results in team meetings and project reviews.
• Keep complete and accurate records in the electronic lab notebook, and make sure data is stored and archived so it can stand up to later scrutiny.
• Contribute to project strategy through experimental design and troubleshooting.
• Take ownership of key laboratory instruments, including routine maintenance, troubleshooting and training other users.

Skills

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in molecular biology or related field

Masters with substantial relevant experience

Tools

qPCR

RT-qPCR

Western blotting

In vivo models

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist with strong expertise in cell culture, molecular biology, and assay development to support discovery and pre-clinical development of RNA-based therapeutics. This role will contribute to in vitro and in vivo studies, working cross-functionally to evaluate efficacy, mechanism, and PK/PD relationships from early discoveries through candidate selection.

Key responsibilities

Design, execute, and analyse cell-based assays to evaluate RNA therapeutic activity and mechanism of action.

Culture and maintain various cell types, including established cell lines, primary cells, and iPSCs.

Perform molecular and protein biology techniques, including nucleic acid isolation, qPCR, RT-qPCR, and Western blotting.

Develop, optimise, and implement new protocols and assays to address key scientific questions.

Guide and support in vivo efficacy studies and interpret PK/PD relationships.

Liaise with external collaborators, CROs and service providers, and contribute to animal ethics applications, SOPs and study documentation.

Analyse data, document experiments, and present results in team meetings and project reviews.

Keep complete and accurate records in the electronic lab notebook, and make sure data is stored and archived so it can stand up to later scrutiny.

Contribute to project strategy through experimental design and troubleshooting.

Take ownership of key laboratory instruments, including routine maintenance, troubleshooting and training other users.

Required Qualifications

PhD (or Masters with substantial relevant experience) in molecular biology, cell biology, biotechnology, or related field.

Experience with RNA therapeutic development from early discovery through pre-clinical development with strong background in oligonucleotide, siRNA, ASO, mRNA or CRISPR platforms.

Hands-on experience with in vivo studies in rodent models and a working knowledge of animal ethics requirements.

A track record of research output, such as peer-reviewed publications or conference presentations.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment.

Strong data analysis, documentation, and communication skills.

Applicants must have the right to live and work in Australia.

We may close applications early if we receive enough strong candidates, and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

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