Scientist, Molecular Biology (mRNA)

F-Prime Capital; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401k with company match

Paid sick time

Paid vacation time

Life and disability insurance

Commuting expense reimbursement

Job summary

Aera Therapeutics in Cambridge, MA is seeking a Scientist, Molecular Biology (mRNA) to design, build, and test mRNA constructs to advance our mRNA platform. You will collaborate with Therapeutics Discovery and Analytical Sciences to understand and improve mRNA biology and protein expression.

You will transfect mammalian cells, develop high‑throughput assays on automated platforms, and integrate data across multiple assays to guide program decisions in a collaborative Cambridge team.

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in engineering or life sciences with relevant hands‑on research experience.
• Hands‑on molecular biology skills including cloning and sequencing.
• Experience with RNA handling and RNase‑free workflows.
• Experience automating assays on liquid‑handling platforms.
• Mammalian cell culture and transfection experience.

Responsibilities

• Design and clone mRNA expression constructs and perform in vitro transcription.
• Transfect mammalian cells and quantify protein expression by assays.
• Develop and automate in vitro assays to increase throughput.
• Integrate data across molecular, cellular, and in vivo assays.
• Represent mRNA design on cross‑functional programs and maintain records.

Skills

PCR

Molecular cloning

Plasmid prep

Gel electrophoresis

Capillary electrophoresis

Sanger sequencing

RNA handling

RNase-free workflow

Mammalian cell culture

Transfection

mRNA sequence features

Education

BS (8+ years) / MS (6+ years) / PhD (2+ years) in life sciences or engineering

Tools

Hamilton

Tecan

Opentrons

Job description

Scientist, Molecular Biology (mRNA)

Cambridge, MA

ABOUT US

Aera Therapeutics was founded by a world-class team of scientists, investors, and company builders with a shared vision to unlock the potential of genetic medicines across a broad range of modalities and therapeutic areas. We strive for excellence and an industry-leading position in our chosen delivery platforms, while aggressively hunting for opportunities where enabling delivery technologies can unlock applications of high, unmet medical need.

Leveraging deep expertise in the space, Aera has a leading LNP platform that enables today’s applications, while investing in and developing a potentially disruptive antibody oligonucleotide conjugate platform to enable tomorrow’s applications.

How will your role make an impact at Aera Therapeutics?

Reporting to the Director of Molecular Biology and Automation, you will design, build, and test mRNA to support mRNA platform advancement and discovery programs. You will collaborate with Therapeutics Discovery and Analytical Sciences teams to support advancement of therapeutic mRNAs. You will require expertise at developing in vitro assays aimed at understanding fundamental concepts of mRNA biology including stability and maximizing protein expression. You will be working at our Cambridge office five days per day.

You will:

• Design and clone mRNA expression constructs, including template assembly and sequence verification, in vitro transcription, and mRNA purification
• Transfect mammalian cell lines and primary cells and quantify protein expression by western blot, ELISA, or flow cytometry
• Develop and automate in vitro assays on liquid-handling platforms to increase assay throughput, consistency, and the pace of mRNA design iteration
• Integrate data across molecular, cellular, and in vivo assays to build a coherent view of what sequence features are driving performance
• Serve as the mRNA design representative on cross-functional program teams, driving alignment with delivery, analytical development and CMC
• Maintain records of all relevant data in the electronic laboratory notebook system and present your own data clearly at team meeting

Qualifications:

• BS (8+ years experience), MS (6+ years experience), or PhD (2+ years experience) in an engineering or life sciences discipline
• Demonstrated hands-on molecular biology skills: PCR, molecular cloning (restriction and Gibson/HiFi assembly), plasmid prep, gel and capillary electrophoresis, Sanger sequencing analysis
• Experience with RNA handling techniques and an understanding of the practical requirements of an RNase-free workflow
• Experience adapting or developing assays on automated liquid-handling platforms (e.g., Hamilton, Tecan, Opentrons) to enable higher-throughput screening
• Mammalian cell culture and transfection experience
• Working knowledge of the relationship between mRNA sequence features and protein expression outcomes

• Commitment to our Core Values: Respect, Integrity, Excellence, Impact

The approximate salary range for this role is $110,00 - $122,000

Our salary ranges are determined by job scope, level, and location. The range displayed on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position as posted. Within the range, individual pay is determined by a variety of factors, including job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, and business need. In addition to the base salary, eligible employees will have an opportunity to participate in an annual cash bonus, equity incentives, and a robust benefits offering that includes health insurance, 401k retirement plan with company match, paid sick and vacation time, life and disability insurance, and commuting expense reimbursement.

Aera Therapeutics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.