Research Scientist, RNA Therapeutics

Mass General Brigham; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Mass General Brigham is seeking a PhD-level scientist to advance RNA and lipid nanoparticle manufacturing within the Gene and Cell Therapy Institute. You will translate benchtop processes into automated formats, develop robust unit operations, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams across the MGB system.

The role focuses on in vitro transcription, purification, and characterization, with rigorous documentation and data analysis, as part of a high‑impact ARPA‑H GIVE program.

Qualifications

• PhD with 3+ years of related experience in life sciences laboratory, process development, or biomanufacturing.
• Experience synthesizing and purifying RNA via in vitro transcription.
• Experience developing, optimizing, and transferring biologics or nucleic acid unit operations.
• Ability to identify problems and troubleshoot solutions.
• Well‑versed in laboratory standards and practices.
• Good organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficient in data recording and analysis with basic computing skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and characterize RNA and LNP unit operations for continuous manufacturing.
• Collaborate with microfluidics, hardware, and software engineers to scale benchtop processes.
• Generate high-quality RNA/LNP drug products using in vitro transcription and purification techniques.
• Define critical process parameters and run DOE studies to demonstrate robustness.
• Monitor processes with analytical techniques and record quality metrics accurately.
• Author and maintain process documentation and development reports.
• Participate in meetings and communicate progress to collaborators and partners.

Skills

PhD with 3+ yrs

RNA synthesis

Unit operations

Troubleshooting

Lab standards

Data analysis

Computer literacy

Documentation

Communication

Education

PhD in Life Sciences

Job description

Site: Mass General Brigham Incorporated. Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high-performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.

Job Summary

The Gene and Cell Therapy Institute (GCTI) is a system-wide Institute under Mass General Brigham that fosters a world-class gene and cell therapy program, leveraging groundbreaking scientific research efforts across the MGB system. The mission of GCTI is to bring together the community of MGB investigators who use gene and cell therapy platforms to achieve their scientific and clinical goals and improve the health of patients. This position sits within the Wesselhoeft Laboratory at GCTI and is dedicated to the ARPA-H GIVE program, a multi-institution effort to build an automated continuous manufacturing platform that produces RNA–lipid nanoparticle drug product from digital sequence to vialed dose.

Essential Functions

• Develop, optimize, and characterize RNA and LNP unit operations, including in vitro transcription, capping, affinity capture, tangential flow filtration, and nanoprecipitation, for continuous manufacturing
• Translate benchtop processes into miniaturized and automated formats in collaboration with microfluidics, hardware, and software engineers, and support design reviews and technology transfer to internal and external partners
• Generate high-quality circular RNA, mRNA, and RNA-LNP drug product using techniques such as in vitro transcription, silica and affinity purification, tangential flow filtration, HPLC, cloning, gel electrophoresis, plasmid outgrowth and purification
• Define critical process parameters and in-process controls, and execute design‑of‑experiment studies to establish operating ranges and demonstrate process robustness
• Perform analytical and in‑line process monitoring techniques such as RiboGreen, capillary electrophoresis, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, and Raman and record quality metrics, with a strong focus on accuracy and reproducibility in work
• Author and maintain process documentation, including protocols, batch records, development reports, and data packages supporting program milestones and deliverables
• Use universal safety precautions and proper personal protective equipment to protect self and co‑workers from biohazardous materials; complete requisite trainings as appropriate
• Participate in lab and program meetings, communicate effectively with the team and external partners, discuss progress, share data with supervisors, and contribute to a positive work environment
• Potentially manage one or more direct reports, assign tasks, and ensure high quality of work

Qualifications

Required Competencies

• PhD with 3+ years of related experience in a life sciences laboratory, process development, or biomanufacturing role
• Experience synthesizing and purifying RNA via in vitro transcription
• Experience developing, optimizing, and transferring biologics or nucleic acid unit operations
• Ability to identify problems and troubleshoot solutions
• Well‑versed in laboratory standards and practices
• Good organizational skills, detail‑oriented
• Reproducibility of work with accuracy
• Sound degree of computer literacy
• Ability to methodically record and analyze data
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to demonstrate professionalism
• Dedication to excellence

Preferred Competencies

• Experience managing direct reports
• Experience with lipid nanoparticle formulation and physicochemical characterization
• Experience in a GMP or GMP‑adjacent environment, or with quality‑by‑design and design‑of‑experiment methodology
• Experience with microfluidic, automated, or continuous processing systems
• Computational or coding skills, including data analysis and instrument automation

Additional Job Details (if Applicable)

Working Conditions

• This role is 100% onsite. The office is located at 65 Landsdowne Street in Cambridge, MA currently with future plans to relocate to the Charlestown Navy Yard

The salary range for this position is $90,000.00 to $100,000.00. At Mass General Brigham, we believe in recognizing and rewarding the unique value each team member brings to our organization. Our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and any offer extended will take into account your skills, relevant experience, education, certifications, and other essential factors. The base pay information provided offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications; however, it does not encompass all elements contributing to your total compensation package.

In addition to competitive base pay, we offer comprehensive benefits, career advancement opportunities, differentials, premiums, and bonuses as applicable, along with recognition programs designed to celebrate your contributions and support your professional growth. We invite candidates to apply, and our Talent Acquisition team will provide an overview of their potential compensation and benefits package.

Remote Type

Onsite

Work Location

65 Landsdowne Street

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Employee Type

Regular

Work Shift

Day (United States of America)

EEO Statement

0100 Mass General Brigham Incorporated is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veteran’s Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact Human Resources at (857)-282-7642.

Mass General Brigham Competency Framework

At Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership “looks like” by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People‑Focused, half Performance‑Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline.