Oligo Biology Scientist

Mix Talent; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote/hybrid role

Job summary

Mix Talent is seeking a Scientist / Senior Scientist for the Oligonucleotide Biology team, focusing on preclinical in vivo evaluation across siRNA, ASOs, PMOs, and related modalities with CNS targets. The role supports cross-functional translational work and external CRO collaboration in a remote/hybrid setup.

Ideal candidates have a Ph.D. or relevant MS with industry experience in oligonucleotide therapeutics or translational neuroscience, and a strong drive to advance neural disease programs

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience or related field; 1–4 years in industry OR M.S. with 3–6 years in oligonucleotide therapeutic development or translational neuroscience.
• Strong neuro-pharmacology knowledge with translational relevance of animal models.
• Familiarity with CNS delivery routes and oligonucleotide technologies.
• Experience managing multi-disciplinary projects and CROs.

Responsibilities

• Design and oversee preclinical in vivo studies (rodent/non-human primate) for oligonucleotide modalities.
• Manage external CROs, protocols, timelines, and data reviews.
• Perform molecular biology experiments on CNS and peripheral tissues to assess PD/PK and biodistribution.
• Generate in vivo SAR and PK/PD data to guide lead optimization.
• Document results with ELNs and communicate findings to cross-functional teams.
• Evaluate emerging technologies to enhance CNS delivery and safety.

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Scientist / Senior Scientist to join our Oligonucleotide Biology team within discovery/early research. Supported by strong financial backing and an expanding therapeutic pipeline, our company is entering a phase of steady, well-funded growth. This rapid scaling provides significant opportunities for professional advancement and career development as our internal teams expand.

In this role, you will drive the preclinical in vivo evaluation of our oligonucleotide pipeline, spanning multiple modalities including siRNA, ASOs, and PMOs, with a primary focus on neuro-related diseases. The ideal candidate will combine a deep understanding of neurobiology and animal models with strategic external research management (CROs) to advance candidate molecules from discovery through development candidate nomination and/or IND enabling studies.

This is a remote/hybrid role.

Key Responsibilities

• In Vivo Study Design: Design and execute robust preclinical in vivo (rodent/non-human primate) studies utilizing siRNAs, ASOs, PMOs, and other novel nucleotide modalities. Identify, validate, and implement relevant animal models of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases in collaboration with the translational science team.
• CRO Management: Manage external CROs specializing in neuroscience and specialized in vivo models. Oversee protocol development, priority setting, technical execution, data review, timeline management, and proactive troubleshooting to ensure high-quality, timely project delivery.
• Research & Execution: Perform molecular and cellular biology experiments on animal tissues (CNS and peripheral) to evaluate the pharmacodynamic (PD), pharmacokinetic (PK), and biodistribution profiles of oligonucleotides.
• In Vivo SAR Generation: Generate and interpret in vivo structure-activity relationships (SAR) and PK/PD relationships to guide lead optimization, tissue targeting, and clinical candidate selection.
• Documentation & Communication: Maintain thorough, audit-ready technical documentation using Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELNs) and effectively communicate complex translational data, strategies, and recommendations to multidisciplinary internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Innovation & Tech Evaluation: Actively evaluate emerging technologies and scientific literature to identify innovative approaches that enhance oligonucleotide potency, CNS/extrahepatic delivery, tissue durability, and safety profiles.

About You (Requirements)

• Education & Experience:
• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Biology, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related discipline with 1–4 years of relevant industry experience, OR
• M.S. with 3–6 years of industry experience specifically in oligonucleotide therapeutic development or translational neuroscience.
• Core Neuro-Pharmacology Expertise: Deep understanding of the advantages, limitations, and translational relevance of various neuro-related animal models. Familiarity with neurobehavioral assessments, neurohistopathology, and CNS biomarker endpoints is highly desirable.
• Delivery Technologies: Familiarity with state-of-the-art oligonucleotide delivery technologies, specifically routes of administration relevant to the CNS (e.g., intrathecal, intracerebroventricular) as well as systemic targeted delivery methods (conjugates, lipid nanoparticles, or antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates/AOCs).
• Technical Skills: Hands-on experience with the collection, microdissection, and processing of animal tissues (such as brain regions, spinal cord, and peripheral tissues) for the quantitative PK/PD assessment of oligonucleotides.
• Project & Team Dynamics: Strong ability to manage multiple complex studies simultaneously and collaborate seamlessly across cross-functional teams, including biology, bioinformatics, and chemistry.
• Mindset: Capability to work independently while thriving in a collaborative, fast-paced, and highly interdisciplinary research environment.
• Drive: A genuine passion for advancing transformative nucleic acid medicines to treat devastating neurological diseases through innovation and rigorous scientific execution.