Lead Scientist, mRNA Design & Optimization

EMD Serono, Inc.; Billerica (MA); On-site; USD 131,000 - 217,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Retirement contributions

Other perquisites

Job summary

EMD Serono, Inc. is seeking a Principal Scientist to lead the design, engineering, and optimization of therapeutic mRNAs for protein replacement, immunomodulation, vaccines, and gene editing applications.

The role focuses on end-to-end mRNA construct design and regulatory element optimization to maximize expression and translational efficiency. You will establish IVT workflows, evaluate integrity and quality attributes, and collaborate with LNP delivery teams to advance mRNA cargo.

Qualifications

• PhD in RNA Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related field.
• 5+ years of industry or academic experience in RNA/mRNA therapeutics.
• Hands-on expertise in mRNA design and sequence optimization.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary projects independently and communicate scientifically.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and optimization of therapeutic mRNA constructs across UTRs, coding sequences, and regulatory elements.
• Develop IVT workflows for mRNA synthesis and quality assessment.
• Collaborate across teams to advance mRNA cargo for LNP platform.
• Present data in cross-functional meetings.
• Drive projects focusing on immuno-oncology and immunology applications.

Skills

RNA design

Sequence optimization

Multidisciplinary leadership

Scientific communication

Education

PhD in RNA Biology or related field

Tools

In vitro transcription

mRNA synthesis

Purification techniques

RNA characterization

Job description

EMD Serono, Inc. is seeking a Principal Scientist to lead the design, engineering, and optimization of therapeutic mRNAs for protein replacement, immunomodulation, vaccines, and gene editing applications.

The role focuses on end-to-end mRNA construct design and regulatory element optimization to maximize expression and translational efficiency. You will establish IVT workflows, evaluate integrity and quality attributes, and collaborate with LNP delivery teams to advance mRNA cargo.