Associate Scientist, Process Development – Drug Substance/Drug Product (CONTRACT)

Orna Therapeutics; Watertown (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Orna Therapeutics, an innovative biotech startup in Watertown, seeks an Associate Scientist in Process Development. This pivotal role focuses on RNA synthesis and LNP formulations, requiring a strong background in biotechnology. Join us to shape the future of RNA therapeutics in a dynamic, team-oriented environment.

Qualifications

• 2 years of experience in process development or manufacturing for RNA therapeutics required.
• Experience with RNA synthesis by in vitro transcription and purification noted.
• Experience with LNP-RNA formulations and related techniques advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Executing gram-scale production of circular RNA and/or lipid nanoparticles for development.
• Maintaining detailed experimental records and compiling data for team meetings.
• Optimizing clinical manufacturing processes for product recovery and purity.

Skills

RNA synthesis

Downstream processing

Good communication

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Interpersonal skills

Education

BS in Biotechnology

BS in Biochemistry

BS in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Electronic lab notebooks

Job description

Orna Therapeutics is an innovative biotechnology startup based in Watertown, MA, committed to developing groundbreaking therapies for diseases that current approaches cannot address. With our pioneering circular RNA technology, developed at MIT, we are at the forefront of advancing the next generation of RNA therapeutics. Our state-of-the-art expression and delivery platform positions us to tackle complex diseases, including B cell-driven autoimmune disorders, B cell malignancies, sickle cell disease, and beyond.

We are seeking a Contract Associate Scientist, Process Development. This role will perform process development activities for RNA based drug substance and/or LNP drug product.

Responsibilities

• Execute gram-scale productions of circular RNA and/or lipid nanoparticles for cross functional teams supporting development activities and in vivo preclinical studies
• Perform experiments to assess scalable downstream process changes to optimize the clinical manufacturing process for increased product recovery and purity for both circular RNA and lipid nanoparticles (LNP)
• Maintain detailed records on experiment conditions, observations, and results
• Complete activities according to project or departmental timelines
• Compile and maintain database of internal manufacturing process data to trend collected data for circular RNA and/or LNP process understanding and present findings in team meetings.
  
  

Required Skills/Qualifications

• Position requires BS or foreign equivalent in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering/related field with 2 years of experience performing process development and/or manufacturing activities for RNA therapeutics
• Experience performing bench milligram and gram scale RNA synthesis by in vitro transcription and purification by tangential flow filtration and affinity chromatography or;
• Experience performing LNP-RNA formulations via microfluidics, T-mixing, or IJM, and purification, concentration, buffer exchange, and filtration
• Familiar with using electronic lab notebooks
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and in teams in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and excited to take on new challenges
  
  

Why Orna? At Orna Therapeutics, we’re more than just a workplace—we’re a community. We believe in fostering an environment where individuals can grow, thrive, and make a lasting impact on the future of healthcare. Join us as we revolutionize RNA therapeutics and make a difference in the lives of patients around the world.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Individuals seeking employment at Orna Therapeutics are considered without regards to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

We are unable to sponsor visas for contract roles.