Senior Research Associate

Recipharm; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Recipharm is seeking a Senior Research Associate in the Boston area to drive mRNA process development, IVT optimization, and purification scale-up. The role emphasizes hands-on lab work, rigorous documentation, and collaboration across development and manufacturing teams to support technology transfer and client projects.

The ideal candidate has experience in RNA/process development, AKTA systems, and analytical testing, with GLP/GDP knowledge and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor or Master with hands-on RNA/process development experience.
• Experience with mRNA, RNA, or drug substance processes.
• Hands-on with AKTA chromatography systems and purification.
• Experience with TFF, scale-up, and tech transfer.
• Analytical characterization by Fragment Analyzer, CE, Bioanalyzer, UV, NanoDrop.
• Knowledge of process development in pharma/biotech and GLP/GDP.

Responsibilities

• Perform and support RNA manufacturing at small to intermediate scale using stirred tanks and Wave systems.
• Execute in vitro transcription (IVT) and downstream purification.
• Troubleshoot, optimize, and scale IVT and purification for readiness.
• Support process development, tech transfer, and scale-up for RNA and related substances.
• Conduct analytical testing to evaluate RNA purity, integrity, and concentration.
• Operate and maintain lab equipment used in development and testing.
• Document activities and results following GDP.
• Follow GLP, lab safety procedures, and biosafety requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on development and client projects.
• Prepare technical summaries and communicate results and recommendations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

mRNA process development

AKTA chromatography

TFF purification

Analytical testing

GDP/GLP

Documentation

Team collaboration

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or related field

Master's degree with relevant hands-on experience

Tools

Fragment Analyzer

Bioanalyzer

NanoDrop

UV-Vis spectrophotometer

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Associate to support the development, optimization, and scale-up of mRNA manufacturing processes. This role will focus on in vitro transcription (IVT), downstream purification, and analytical testing to support process development activities and technology transfer initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with mRNA production processes, strong laboratory skills, and a passion for advancing innovative RNA-based therapies. This position offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative, fast-paced environment while contributing to the development of cutting-edge biopharmaceutical products.

Roles And Responsibilities

• Perform and support RNA manufacturing processes at small and intermediate scale using stirred tank and Wave reactor systems.
• Execute and support in vitro transcription (IVT) reactions and downstream purification processes.
• Troubleshoot, optimize, and scale up IVT and purification processes to improve performance and manufacturing readiness.
• Support process development, technology transfer, and scale-up activities for RNA and other drug substance manufacturing processes.
• Perform analytical testing to evaluate RNA purity, integrity, and concentration using techniques such as Fragment Analyzer and NanoDrop.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment used in process development and analytical testing.
• Document experimental activities, results, and observations in accordance with Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
• Follow Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), laboratory safety procedures, and applicable biosafety requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support development, manufacturing, and client-driven projects.
• Prepare technical summaries and effectively communicate results and recommendations.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Skills And Experience

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline with 1 to 5 years of relevant industry experience; or a Master's degree with relevant hands-on experience.
• Experience supporting mRNA, RNA, or drug substance process development activities.
• Hands-on experience with AKTA chromatography systems and purification process development.
• Experience with Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF), process optimization, scale-up, and/or technology transfer activities.
• Experience performing analytical characterization using techniques such as:
• Fragment Analyzer or Capillary Electrophoresis (CE)
• Bioanalyzer or gel electrophoresis
• UV spectroscopy
• NanoDrop analysis
• Knowledge of process development principles within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety requirements, including biosafety practices and BSL requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate documentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with circular RNA (circRNA).
• Experience supporting GMP manufacturing environments and technology transfer projects.
• Knowledge of RNA-based therapeutic manufacturing processes.

Work Environment

This position is based in a laboratory setting and requires hands-on execution of process development activities. The physical and environmental requirements include:

• Frequent standing, sitting, use of hands, reaching, and communication with team members.
• Occasional walking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
• Ability to frequently lift or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds.
• Close visual attention required for laboratory work, data review, and equipment operation.
• Regular use of computers, telephone, and email communication.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• Adherence to all laboratory safety, PPE, and biosafety requirements.

Annual base salary range - $100,000 to $120,000

Recipharm is a leading Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO) employing over 4,500 employees worldwide. Recipharm provides manufacturing services of pharmaceuticals in various dosage forms, including, sterile fill & finish, oral solid dosage and biologics; clinical trial material development and manufacturing services; and, pharmaceutical product development. Its biologics segment, ReciBioPharm, works with customers to develop and commercialise advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs): pre-clinical to clinical and commercial development and manufacture for new biological modalities, encompassing technologies based on live viruses and viral vectors, live-microbial biopharmaceutical products, nucleic acid-based mRNA and plasmid DNA production.

Recipharm manufactures several hundred different products to customers ranging from big pharma to smaller research and development companies. It operates development and manufacturing facilities in France, Germany, India, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the US and is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden.

For more information on Recipharm and our services, please visit www.recipharm.com and www.recibiopharm.com

URL to this page https://www.recipharm.com/careers/job-search/apply?rmpage=job&rmjob=3751&rmlang=UK