Senior Research Associate

sail biomedicines; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

Sail Biomedicines is seeking a Senior Research Associate to advance the immunology platform, applying rigorous in vitro and in vivo studies to harness eRNA-driven immune modulation for therapeutic applications.

The role involves designing experiments, collaborating across disciplines, performing immune cell isolation, flow cytometry, data analysis, and integrating findings to push the platform forward in a fast-paced startup environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Immunology, Cell Biology, or related field.
• 4+ years of hands-on industry research post Bachelor or 2+ years post Master.
• Experience with primary immune cell isolation, culture and immunological functional assays.
• Experience with high-dimensional flow cytometry panels and data analysis tools.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills; startup agility.

Responsibilities

• Perform in vitro immune cell isolation, activation, and functional assays with careful execution and documentation.
• Conduct in vivo tissue collection and processing and perform high-dimensional flow cytometry analysis.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and organize data for internal reporting.
• Prepare data summaries and presentations for internal discussions.
• Contribute to reports and data packages supporting advancement of the technology platform and therapeutic applications.
• Stay current with relevant scientific literature and technical advances in immunology.

Skills

Primary immune cell isolation

Immunology assays

High-dimensional flow cytometry

Data analysis tools

Collaborative mindset

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Immunology or Cell Biology

Tools

Flow cytometry

Data analysis software

Job description

Sail Biomedicines is pioneering the integrative design and deployment of fully programmable medicines to transform patient care. Sail's platform combines first-in-class programmable circular RNA technology (Endless RNA™ or eRNA), and an industry-leading platform of programmable nanoparticles, utilizing natural components, to unlock comprehensive programming of medicines for the first time. By leveraging cutting-edge eRNA and nanoparticle deployment technology, Sail is also making unparalleled use of AI techniques to identify and design fully programmable medicines that are potent, targeted, versatile, and tunable. Sail was founded by Flagship Pioneering.

The Role:

As part of the Immunology Platform and Applications group, the Senior Research Associate will contribute to research efforts aimed at harnessing the immunological properties of eRNA to enable a wide range of therapeutic applications. The individual is expected to design and execute experiments with precision, rigor, and strong attention to detail, while collaborating closely with colleagues in a highly cross-disciplinary environment. This role will involve extensive in vitro and in vivo studies, including immune cell isolation, functional assays, tissue processing, and high-parameter flow cytometry. The Senior Research Associate will generate high-quality data to support advancement of the technology platform and therapeutic applications.

Responsibilities:

• Perform in vitro immune cell isolation, activation, and functional assays with careful execution and documentation.
• Conduct in vivo tissue collection and processing and perform high-dimensional flow cytometry analysis.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and organize data for internal reporting.
• Prepare data summaries and presentations for internal discussions.
• Contribute to reports and data packages supporting advancement of the technology platform and therapeutic applications.
• Stay current with relevant scientific literature and technical advances in immunology.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Immunology, Cell Biology, or a related field.
• 4+ years of hands‑on industry research experience post Bachelor or 2+ years post‑Master.
• Strong experience with primary immune cell isolation, culture and immunological functional assays.
• Hands‑on experience with high‑dimensional flow cytometry panels and data analysis tools.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast‑paced start‑up environment requiring flexibility and commitment to project goals.
• Strong self‑motivation and drive to make impactful contributions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with RNA based therapies or CAR‑T therapy is preferred.

Salary Range: $75,000 - $100,000

Sail Biomedicines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Sail does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.