Senior mRNA Process Development Scientist

Recipharm; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Recipharm is seeking a Senior Research Associate to support development, optimization, and scale-up of mRNA manufacturing processes, focusing on IVT, downstream purification, and analytical testing. The role requires hands-on experience with mRNA production, strong lab skills, and collaboration in a fast-paced environment to advance RNA-based therapies.

You will perform IVT reactions, purification steps, and analytical characterization, contributing to process development, tech transfer, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline with 1–5 years of relevant industry experience or a Master's with hands-on experience.
• Experience supporting mRNA, RNA, or drug substance process development.
• Hands-on experience with AKTA chromatography systems and purification process development.
• Experience with TFF, scale-up, and technology transfer activities.
• Experience performing analytical characterization (Fragment Analyzer, CE, Bioanalyzer/gel, UV, NanoDrop).
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical/biotech process development principles and biosafety practices.

Responsibilities

• Perform and support RNA manufacturing processes at small and intermediate scales using stirred tank and Wave reactor systems.
• Execute and support IVT reactions and downstream purification processes.
• Troubleshoot, optimize, and scale up IVT and purification processes for improved performance and readiness.
• Support process development, technology transfer, and scale-up activities for RNA and related drug substances.
• Perform analytical testing to evaluate RNA purity, integrity, and concentration (Fragment Analyzer, NanoDrop).
• Maintain laboratory equipment and document activities following GDP and GLP where applicable.

Skills

mRNA process development

AKTA chromatography

Tangential Flow Filtration

Purification development

Analytical characterization

Documentation

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences/Biotechnology/Chemical Engineering

Master's degree with hands-on experience

Tools

AKTA chromatography systems

Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF)

Job description

Recipharm is seeking a Senior Research Associate to support development, optimization, and scale-up of mRNA manufacturing processes, focusing on IVT, downstream purification, and analytical testing. The role requires hands-on experience with mRNA production, strong lab skills, and collaboration in a fast-paced environment to advance RNA-based therapies.

You will perform IVT reactions, purification steps, and analytical characterization, contributing to process development, tech transfer, and