Senior Associate Scientist, Cellular Analytical Development

Strand Therapeutics; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 84,000 - 103,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Open PTO

Onsite lunch

Commuter support

Equity incentives

Job summary

Strand Therapeutics in Boston, MA seeks a Senior Associate Scientist for Cellular Analytical Development to drive cell-based analytical methods for mRNA and LNP platforms. The role reports to the Scientist of Cellular Analytical Development and requires leadership presence and scientific rigor to advance Strand’s genetic medicines framework.

Qualified candidates will have 3+ years in cell-based assays, mammalian culture, and experience with ELISA, PCR, and flow cytometry.

Qualifications

• B.S. or advanced degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 3+ years of experience focusing on cell-based assays and their readouts (ELISA, PCR, flow cytometry).
• Experience with mammalian or ex-vivo tissue culture.
• Understanding of enzymatic/chemical reactions, PCR, plasmid processing, and standard analytical techniques for biologics or nucleic acid therapies.

Responsibilities

• Run and develop cell-based mRNA and LNP analytical methods.
• Transfer cell-based methods to external collaborators.
• Use statistical tools to analyze data and draw conclusions.
• Support screening, optimization, and scale-up in mRNA and LNP Process Development.

Skills

Cell-based assays

ELISA

PCR

Flow cytometry

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular biology

Data analysis

Benchling

Automation

Education

B.S. or advanced degree in Biology or related field

Tools

Benchling

Statistical software

Job description

Senior Associate Scientist, Cellular Analytical Development

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 Senior Associate Scientist of Cellular Analytical Development. The expectation is that the Senior Associate Scientist will have experience independently executing cell-based experiments using various cell and molecular biology techniques. Reporting to the Scientist of Cellular 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:

• Responsible for running and developing cell-based mRNA and LNP analytical methods.
• Assist in transfer of cell-based methods to external collaborators.
• Use various statistical tools to analyze and independently draw conclusions about data.
• Analytically support screening, optimization, and scale-up efforts in mRNA and LNP Process Development.

Qualifications:

• B.S. or advanced degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or other relevant scientific discipline.
• 3+ years of experience with a focus on cell-based assays and their various readouts (ELISA, PCR, flow cytometry etc.) required.
• Experience with mammalian or ex-vivo tissue culture required.
• Understanding of enzymatic and chemical reactions, PCR, plasmid processing, and standard analytical techniques for biologics or nucleic acid therapies
• Background in or experience with one or more of the following would be strong pluses:
• Flow cytometry-based assay development
• T cells and other primary cell culture
• Late clinical stage cell-based potency assays
• Benchling template making and data handling
• Automation
• This position requires conducting laboratory experiments, excellent documentation review and writing skills, and the flexibility to work on multiple projects as needed
• Familiarity with process development, and/or regulatory aspects of mRNA-(lipid) nanoparticle products would be a plus.
• 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: $84,000 - $103,000 annually plus bonus and equity incentives

Pay Transparency Base Salary Range

$84,000 - $103,000 USD