Principal Associate Scientist, Analytical Development & Operations

Strand Therapeutics; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Strand Therapeutics in Boston seeks a Principal Associate Scientist to drive analytical development and operations for mRNA/LNP programs. You will work at the interface of process and analytics, building understanding of how parameters affect product quality.

The role requires a strong scientific foundation and hands-on experience with mRNA/LNP technologies, with opportunities to mentor junior scientists and influence early-stage development.

Qualifications

• Strong scientific foundation with hands-on experience in mRNA/LNP technologies.
• Experience in process development or characterization and analytical development.

Responsibilities

• Leads development of analytical methods focusing on physical characterization of mRNA/LNP formulations.
• Analyzes data to drive screening, optimization, and scale-up in mRNA/LNP process development.
• Applies understanding of analytical methods to identify critical process parameters and material attributes.
• Troubleshoots experimental/process challenges in a data-driven way.
• Collaborates with Process Development, Manufacturing, MSAT, Quality and other CMC functions.
• Evaluates and onboards innovative analytical tools for RNA/LNP understanding.
• Interfaces with external CROs to meet timelines and quality requirements.
• Mentors junior scientists in exploring new analytical techniques.

Skills

mRNA

LNP formulations

Process development

Analytical methods

Data-driven

Tools

HPLC/LC-MS

Job description

Principal Associate Scientist, Analytical Development & Operations

Company Overview:

Strand Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering programmable mRNA therapeutics to unlock the full potential of genetic medicines. Strand is applying its proprietary Signal Stack platform, which integrates EverScript circular RNA, AmpliScript self-replicating RNA, SignalPath targeted delivery, and logic-driven SignalLock genetic circuits to enable precise control of therapeutic activity across tissues and cell types and overcome foundational limitations in targeting, durability, and safety.

Strand is advancing a pipeline with an initial focus on oncology and autoimmune disease. Its initial program, STX-001, an intratumorally delivered LNP-encapsulated self-replicating RNA expressing IL-12, has demonstrated preliminary evidence of systemic immune activation and anti-tumor activity in patients with advanced solid tumors who have progressed on prior therapies. Building on this early clinical validation, intravenously delivered STX-003 is designed for tumor-targeted expression and avoidance of off-target expression. STX-003, which is expected to enter the clinic in mid-2026, has the potential to be a major step forward for the fields of genetic medicine and oncology. Strand is also advancing STX-005, an in vivoCAR-T program designed to enable controlled, durable expression and repeat dosing. Founded by MIT synthetic biology pioneers, Strand has raised over $250 million and is headquartered in Boston, MA.

Become the next standout single strand!

Job Summary:

Strand is looking for people who have the enthusiasm and motivation to be a highly contributing member of a small but extremely productive team. This opportunity will offer the employee the ability to work in a matrix-based environment and be a part of the future strategy of the company.

We are looking for a highly motivated and innovative candidate for the role of Principal Associate Scientist of Analytical Development & Operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong scientific foundation and experience with mRNA/Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) technologies, process development or characterization, and/or analytical development. This individual will work at the interface of process and analytical development, using analytical data to build process understanding and evaluate the impact of process parameters and material attributes on product quality. Reporting to the Principal Scientist of Analytical Development, the right candidate will be a strategic thinker that brings a leadership presence and enthusiasm for Strand along with a desire to conquer new challenges.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Leads development of analytical methods or novel analytical techniques focusing on deep physical characterization of early/clinical-stage mRNA and LNP formulations.
• Analyzes data and draws conclusions which drive screening, optimization, and scale-up efforts in mRNA and LNP Process Development.
• Apply a strong understanding of mRNA and LNP analytical methods to support identification and characterization of critical process parameters and critical material attributes
• Independently troubleshoot experimental and process challenges using a systematic, data-driven approach.
• Partner closely with Process Development, Manufacturing, MSAT, Quality, and other CMC functions to support process development and characterization activities.
• Evaluates and onboards innovative analytical tools to further RNA/LNP understanding.
• Interfaces with external contract research organizations to ensure compliance with internal timeline and quality requirements.
• Mentors and develops junior scientists in exploring new analytical techniques to further characterize mRNA/LNP therapeutics.