Senior Research Associate

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

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.

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