Scientist, Synthetic Biology

Strand Therapeutics; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental coverage

Open PTO

Onsite lunch catering

Commuter support

Job summary

Strand Therapeutics is seeking a Scientist of Synthetic Biology to design RNA-based genetic circuits for drug discovery and development. You will independently conceive, conduct, and critically analyze experiments with minimal supervision, applying fundamental design principles to create programmable genetic systems.

The role offers a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment in Boston, with a focus on advancing STRX programs and contributing to a growing team of scientists.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Bioinformatics, or equivalent required.
• 1-2 years of professional research experience in industrial and/or academia required.
• Ability to plan, design and execute experiments and communicate findings to diverse audience.
• Experience with cellular and molecular biology techniques like molecular cloning, qPCR, mammalian cell culture and transfection.
• Prior experience with flow cytometry, image analysis, and automation equipment is a plus.
• Hands-on experience with in vitro transcription of mRNA required.
• Adaptable to change in a dynamic early-stage environment.
• Strong team player with excellent communication and independent work; detail oriented.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop synthetic genetic constructs to enable programmable, cell-type specific gene expression.
• Build and test engineered circuits for desirable phenotypes in relevant cell systems in vitro, validating designs.
• Plan experiments using techniques including molecular cloning, transfection, flow cytometry, ELISA, qPCR, and Western blot.
• Maintain proper records in electronic notebooks and contribute to writing protocols.
• Communicate methods and results to teammates and work closely with cross-functional teams.

Skills

RNA design

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular cloning

qPCR

Flow cytometry

Education

PhD in Biomedical Engineering or Bioinformatics

Tools

Mammalian cell transfection

ELISA

Western blot

Job description

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 vivo CAR-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:

We are looking for a highly motivated and innovative candidate for the role of Scientist of Synthetic Biology. The ideal candidate will use fundamental biological design principles to build RNA-based genetic circuits to facilitate drug discovery and development. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact as a scientifically motivated self-starter capable of independently conceiving, conducting, and critically analyzing their own work with minimal supervision.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Design and develop synthetic genetic constructs to enable programmable, cell-type specific gene expression.
• Build and test engineered circuits for desirable phenotypes in relevant cell systems in vitro thus validating predicted designs.
• Plan experiments utilizing molecular techniques including molecular cloning, mammalian cell transfection, flow cytometry, ELISA, qPCR, Western blot etc.
• Maintain proper records in electronic notebook and contribute to writing protocols
• Communicate experimental methods and results to fellow team members and work closely with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications:

• PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Boinformatics, or requivalent required.
• 1-2 years of professional research experience in industrial and/or academia required.
• Ability to plan, design and execute experiments as part of a project, communicate findings to a diverse audience, and iterate on ideas for optimizing genetic circuit designs for a desired behavior.
• Experience with cellular and molecular biology techniques like molecular cloning, qPCR, mammalian cell culture, and transfection required.
• Prior experience with flow cytometry, image analysis, and automation equipment is a plus.
• Hands‑on experience with in vitro transcription of mRNA required.
• Ability to quickly adapt to change and thrive in a dynamic and entrepreneurial early‑stage environment.
• A strong team player with excellent oral and written communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Independently motivated, detail oriented and good problem‑solving ability.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Strand offers a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, team-focused small company environment. We also offer a top‑notch benefits package (health, dental, life, open PTO, onsite lunch catering, commuter support and more) and work/life flexibility and integration. Being part of the Strand team allows you to become part of a small team that supports professional development while working together to meet Strand's goals.

Strand Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis protected by applicable law. Strand does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $120,000 - $132,000 annually plus bonus and equity incentives

Pay Transparency Base Salary Range

$120,000—$132,000 USD