Senior / Principal Scientist, InVitro Lead, Delivery

Averna Therapeutics Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Averna Therapeutics Inc. is seeking a Senior Scientist / Principal Scientist, Delivery Sciences to lead in vitro analysis of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and develop therapeutics for rare genetic diseases, cancer, and autoimmune conditions.

This role reports to the Director, Delivery Sciences and collaborates with RNA Sciences, Discovery, Immunology, and CMC teams. The successful candidate will design, execute, and optimize screening assays, mentor junior staff, present data to senior management,

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required with 3–6+ years of industry research experience.
• Experience with tissue culture (primary and cancer cell lines) and ELISAs is required.
• Hands-on experience with mRNA-LNP formulation and standard analytics is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Devise, optimize, and conduct in vitro assays for screening and evaluating mRNA-LNPs in various cell lines.
• Investigate mechanism of action for uptake and intracellular activity of LNPs and RNA payloads.
• Formulate, characterize, and analyze mRNA-LNPs to drive pipeline and platform projects; support in vivo studies as needed.
• Manage key CROs and evaluate external technologies.

Skills

Strong communication

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Adaptability

Troubleshooting

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering / Chemistry / Biological Engineering / Biology / Immunology

Tools

mRNA-LNP formulation

Ribogreen assay

DLS

Flow cytometry

Job description

About the company

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 to 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.

Position, duties and responsibilities:

Averna is seeking a Senior Scientist / Principal Scientist, Delivery Sciences to lead the in vitro analysis of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and develop therapeutics for rare genetic diseases, cancer, and autoimmune conditions. This position will report to the Director, Delivery Sciences and work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams across the organization. The ideal candidate will devise strategy, design/execute studies, and iteratively innovate to build out an in vitro screening and assessment pipeline to better understand and qualify our novel LNP delivery systems. Because this candidate will coordinate closely with RNA Sciences, Discovery, Immunology, and CMC teams across sites, the ability to communicate effectively cross-functionally and exhibit mastery across diverse research areas will be critical. The ideal candidate will be a thought leader in the organization, be expected to assume multiple roles within the team in a start-up environment, and play an integral role in advancing Averna’s lead programs.

Core responsibilities include:

• Devise, optimize, and conduct robust in vitro assays for screening and evaluating mRNA-LNPs in both primary and cancer cell lines for expression, potency, and/or tolerability.
• Ideate and perform in vitro assays to elucidate the mechanism of action for uptake and intracellular activity of novel LNPs and RNA payloads in a diverse range of cell types, using associated learnings to improve and innovate next-generation LNPs.
• Formulate, characterize, and analyze mRNA-LNPs to drive pipeline and platform projects throughout the company; support the downstream execution of in vivo studies as needed.
• Manage key CROs and evaluate technologies from external vendors/partners.
• Onboard, train, and mentor junior employees within the Delivery Sciences team and in other departments.
• Regularly present progress to key stakeholders, including senior management; effectively present and defend data.
• Keep current on the scientific state-of-the-art and provide Delivery expertise across the organization.
• Maintain electronic lab notebook and associated databases; contribute to intellectual property efforts.
• Establish assays, maintain equipment, assist in ordering supplies, develop SOPs, organize storage space, and ensure a safe laboratory environment.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biological Engineering, Biology, Immunology, or related discipline
• 3-6+ years of industry research experience (title is commensurate with experience)
• Experience with tissue culture (primary and cancer cell of different species), flow cytometry, processing tissues, and ELISAs is required
• Direct, hands‑on experience with mRNA-LNP formulation, purification, and standard analytics (Ribogreen assay, DLS) is strongly preferred
• Experience with mouse handling/necropsy is preferred; must be willing to learn if not experienced
• Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to thrive and be adaptable in a fast‑paced, dynamic start‑up environment
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills with meticulous attention to detail

Work Structure:

• Office/Lab located in Watertown, MA
• General ability to flex work time/days to account for meetings across time zones
• Some off‑hours may be needed on occasion to support in vitro and in vivo studies