Senior mRNA Process Development Scientist — Vaccines

The RNA Society; Indiana (PA); On-site; USD 69,691 - 116,152; Full time

Job summary

NATi is seeking an Associate Scientist/Scientist, mRNA Process Development to advance mRNA vaccines and immunotherapies from discovery through IND-enabling stages. The role involves developing plasmid DNA, cell-free DNA, and IVT mRNA processes and supporting regulatory submissions in a fast-paced, cross-functional team.

The successful candidate will have 4+ years of relevant experience with MS or 7+ years with BS, and hands-on experience with ELISA, SDS-PAGE, and purification technologies.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biochemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4+ years with MS or 7+ years with BS in RNA Biochemistry or Pharmaceutical Sciences.
• Experience designing and conducting ex‑ vivo cell-based assays.
• Hands‑on experience in ELISA, Western Blot, SDS‑PAGE, and standard molecular biology tools (primer design, cloning, RT‑PCR, PCR, DNA/RNA extraction and purification).
• Knowledge of nucleic acid purification tools (AEX, HIC & Affinity Chromatography, IP‑RP HPLC) preferred.
• Ability to use SnapGene, GraphPad Prism and Excel.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills; able to troubleshoot experimental processes and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop processes for the synthesis of bacterial plasmid DNA, cell-free DNA and in‑vitro transcribed (IVT) mRNA for different RNA therapeutic modalities (circRNA, saRNA, Linear mRNA).
• Develop purification methods (chromatography, tangential flow filtration) for plasmid DNA, cell-free DNA and mRNA.
• Develop DNA and mRNA characterization tools including CGE, HPLC, ELISA, cell-based protein expression, UV Spectroscopy and fluorescence assays.
• Develop and maintain SOPs and batch records to ensure reproducibility, compliance, and readiness for IND submission.
• Maintain accurate records using LIMS/ELN systems to support data integrity and reproducibility.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation to support internal decision-making and external regulatory submissions.
• Support tech transfer activities to external CDMOs, including preparation of reports, training, and troubleshooting support.
• Support regulatory submissions by generating reports and contributing to CMC documentation.

Job description

NATi is seeking an Associate Scientist/Scientist, mRNA Process Development to advance mRNA vaccines and immunotherapies from discovery through IND-enabling stages. The role involves developing plasmid DNA, cell-free DNA, and IVT mRNA processes and supporting regulatory submissions in a fast-paced, cross-functional team.

The successful candidate will have 4+ years of relevant experience with MS or 7+ years with BS, and hands-on experience with ELISA, SDS-PAGE, and purification technologies.