Preclinical Development Scientist, AAV Gene Therapy

Roman Health Pharmacy LLC; Redwood City (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company is seeking a new member for its Tissue Reprogramming team to support the development of cutting-edge AAV gene therapies. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in preclinical development, a PhD in a relevant field, and expertise in gene therapy techniques. You will lead projects aimed at improving therapeutic efficacy and safety while fostering collaboration within the team.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan with 4% matching

Flexible time off and 10 company holidays per year

Paid parental leave

Annual learning & development stipend

Daily Retro-sponsored lunch and snacks

Qualifications

• 3+ years of industry experience in preclinical development of AAV gene therapy.
• Experience in construct design, optimization, and QC for AAV gene therapy projects.
• Strong ability to collaborate and communicate findings effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead preclinical development of AAV gene therapy projects across multiple tissues.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data; provide insights for decision-making.
• Mentor team members and foster a collaborative work environment.

Skills

Critical thinking

Adaptability

Creative problem-solving

Effective communication

Collaboration

Education

PhD in cell biology, physiology, or related fields

Job description

Retro develops therapies for diseases driven by the biology of aging. We focus on cellular reprogramming and autophagy to rejuvenate cell and tissue function with the ultimate aim of adding 10 years to healthy human lifespan.

We’re building a mission-driven team of accomplished and kind individuals who embrace our startup culture of rapid iteration, transparency, and versatility.

We are hiring a new member of our Tissue Reprogramming team who will support the preclinical development of our reprogramming-based AAV gene therapies. In this role, you will leverage your in vivo expertise to transform cutting-edge research into clinically viable interventions, redefining the boundaries of gene therapy and extending human health span. Your work will generate preclinical proof-of-concept data and bridge the preclinical to clinical development. You will report to the leader of the Tissue Reprogramming group.

About you:

You are adaptable and learn new things quickly, finding creative ways to approach therapeutic development. You think critically, taking calculated risks in order to streamline, optimize, and progress scientific research. You work well independently, but also thrive in a collaborative and supportive team. You are an effective, direct communicator, willing to share data-backed opposing opinions.

In this role you will:

• Lead preclinical development of AAV gene therapy projects across multiple target tissues, with a focus on therapeutic efficacy and safety as well as translational relevance.
• Drive the refinement of AAV construct design and animal study parameters, biomarker strategies and efficacy studies, and toxicity assessments in close collaboration with discovery scientists and multidisciplinary teams.
• Optimize and execute animal model development to assess the impact of AAV gene therapies on aging and diseases, including rejuvenation effects in healthy aging and pathological tissue contexts.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data; provide scientific and development insights and in-depth data interpretation to inform decision-making within the team and for senior leadership.
• Work with other departments and CROs as necessary to plan and expedite project objectives.
• Act as a mentor and role model, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment that aligns with Retro’s mission and culture.

You will thrive in this role if you:

• Have a PhD in cell biology, physiology, or related fields with 3+ years of industry experience in preclinical development of AAV gene therapy, or equivalent experiences.
• Bring experience in preclinical development of AAV gene therapy, including construct design, optimization, and QC, animal model selection and in vivo administration (e.g., IV, retroorbital, intrathecal), and comprehensive characterization (biodistribution, expression profiling, PK/PD, toxicology, and biomarker discovery).
• Are collaborative, proactive, and intellectually curious.
• Are well-organized, detail-oriented, and maintain high standards for data.
• Communicate findings and recommendations clearly through written reports, presentations, and regular updates to both internal and external and technical and non-technical collaborators.

It’s a bonus if you:

• Have prior research experiences with cartilage regeneration, neurodegeneration, or tissue inflammation.
• Have in vivo surgery experiences in the field of CNS, auditory, and/or articular diseases.
• Have cellular reprogramming and aging research experience in multiple organ and tissue types, specifically in regards to histology and bioassay development.
• Have prior experiences interacting with regulatory agents or study experiences intended for regulatory submission (e.g., IND).

$130,000 - $170,000 a year

Total compensation also includes generous equity and the following benefits:

- Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family

- 401(k) plan with 4% matching

- Flexible time off and 10 company holidays per year

- Paid parental leave

- Annual learning & development stipend

- Daily Retro-sponsored lunch and snacks

We take pride in cultivating an environment that fosters collaboration, open communication, and authenticity. We believe that great results are best delivered by a highly creative team working in concert. We are an equal opportunity employer; we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We are diverse in background and singular in mission.