Senior / Principal Scientist, Immunology

Averna Therapeutics Inc.; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Averna Therapeutics is seeking an experienced Sr./Principal Scientist to lead the development of drug candidates in cancer and immunology using Averna’s proprietary gene insertion technology. This person will lead the development and characterization of drug candidates through IND enabling studies to support Averna’s immune pipeline.

This person will report to the Head of Immunology and oversee the work of junior scientists.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in cell and gene therapy for immuno-oncology drug discovery/early development.
• Experience mentoring junior scientists and leading projects through stage gates.
• Strong ability to communicate data and updates to stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of drug candidates in cancer and immunology using Averna’s gene insertion platform.
• Oversee IND-enabling studies and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Mentor junior scientists and ensure thorough documentation of protocols and results.
• Provide timely updates on project progress to the Head of Immunology and key stakeholders.

Skills

Cell & gene therapy

In vivo pharmacology

Mentoring

Project management

In vivo models

In vitro assays

Flow cytometry

CAR T knowledge

mRNA therapeutics

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs)

Data analysis

Education

Ph.D. in a relevant biological discipline

M.S. in a relevant biological discipline

Tools

IVIS imaging

GraphPad Prism

Excel

Job description

Watertown, MA

About Averna

Averna Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing genomic medicines for a broad range of diseases. Our technology leverages naturally occurring genetic elements found in safe harbor loci in nature to deliver new genes via mRNA and lipid nanoparticles that achieve precise, safe, and durable insertion of entire therapeutic genes. Backed by an expert team and experienced investors, we are poised to transform the landscape of genomic medicine, offering treatments that can be re-dosed and titrated with curative intent to bring hope to patients suffering from genetic diseases, cancer, and autoimmune conditions.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Averna Therapeutics is looking for an experienced Sr. / Principal Scientist to lead the development of drug candidates in the field of cancer and immunology using Averna’s proprietary gene insertion technology. This person will lead the development and characterization of drug candidates through IND enabling studies to support Averna’s immune pipeline. This person will report to the Head of Immunology and oversee the work of junior scientists. This person will have exceptional organizational and communication skills, documentation skills and an attention to detail. A highly collaborative spirit is needed as this person will interface with internal and external stakeholders. Maintaining thorough and timely records of protocols, experiments, and results is required. This person will provide updates on project progress will be provided to key stakeholders.

• Demonstrated expertise in cell and gene therapy for immuno-oncology drug discovery/early development. Experience with in vivo CAR a plus.
• Experience managing and mentoring junior scientists.
• Demonstrated experience with managing projects and driving them forward through appropriate stage gates.
• Knowledge of in vivo models to support the characterization of drug products for hematologic applications and autoimmunity.
• Direct expertise with the design and execution of in vivo pharmacology studies to support drug candidate evaluation, in mice and NHPs.
• Expertise with in vitro assays used to support drug candidate characterization including tumor cytotoxicity, MSD/ELISA, Incucyte, etc. and expertise with multiparameter flow cytometry.
• Knowledge of CAR T cell engineering a plus.
• Experience with mRNA therapeutics and gene insertion a plus.
• Experience evaluating payload delivery, biodistribution, and cell type distribution of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) is ideal.
• Ability to analyze and summarize scientific data for key stakeholders, communicate timely updates, and report protocol modifications to the scientific team, providing detailed summaries in ELN or to key stakeholders.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully across teams and disciplines.
• Proficient in IVIS imaging software, GraphPad Prism, and Excel.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. (5-8 years), M.S. (8-10 years) in a relevant biological discipline and experience in biotechnology and drug development required. Level will be commensurate with experience.
• Proficiency in mRNA, lipid nanoparticles, biologics, and gene therapy.
• Knowledge early drug discovery and development through IND enabling for immunology and cancer applications.
• Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Flexibility and adaptability are crucial.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills are required.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• This position is well-suited for a creative scientist eager to contribute to therapeutic advancements in a collaborative setting.

Work Structure

• Office/Lab/vivarium located in Watertown, MA and will onsite work is required. Some off hours may be needed to support in vivo studies, although additional technical support will be scheduled as available.
• General ability to flex work time/days to account for meetings across time zones.