Senior Research Associate

Meet Life Sciences; Watertown (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Meet Life Sciences in Watertown, MA is seeking a Senior Research Associate to join the xRNA Process Sciences team. The role focuses on development and manufacturing of xRNA-based therapeutics, with hands-on work in IVT, downstream purification, and process scale-up.

You will contribute to analytical testing, troubleshooting, and technology transfer from lab to intermediate scale, ensuring GLP/GMP practices and timely collaboration across cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in mRNA/xRNA drug substance development or manufacturing.
• Proficiency with IVT and RNA process development.
• Experience with AKTA chromatography and purification process development.
• Familiarity with TFF and downstream purification concepts.
• Knowledge of RNA characterization techniques and related analytics.

Responsibilities

• Perform and support IVT reactions at small to intermediate scales.
• Support IVT processes using stirred-tank and wave-based systems.
• Troubleshoot and optimize IVT and downstream purification.
• Execute chromatography-based purification of RNA and AKTA processes.
• Perform TFF and related downstream processing activities.
• Contribute to process development, scale-up, and tech transfer.
• Evaluate RNA purity/concentration using Fragment Analyzer, NanoDrop, CE, Bioanalyzer, gel electrophoresis, UV.

Skills

IVT processes

RNA process development

Troubleshooting

Analytical techniques

Team collaboration

Scale-up

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in a related field

Tools

AKTA chromatography

TFF

Fragment Analyzer

Bioanalyzer

NanoDrop

CE

Gel electrophoresis

Job description

Senior Research Associate - xRNA Process Sciences

Location: Watertown, MA

Job Type: Full-Time | Lab & Office-Based

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated Senior Research Associate to join a growing Process Sciences team focused on the development and manufacturing of xRNA-based therapeutics. This role is ideal for a hands-on scientist with experience in mRNA/xRNA process development, IVT, downstream purification, and process scale-up.

You will play an important role in developing, optimizing, and supporting RNA production processes from laboratory through intermediate scale, while contributing to analytical testing, troubleshooting, and technology transfer activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform and support in vitro transcription (IVT) reactions at small and intermediate scales.
• Support IVT processes using stirred-tank and wave-based systems.
• Troubleshoot and optimize IVT and downstream purification processes.
• Perform and support chromatography-based purification of IVT-produced RNA.
• Execute and support AKTA-based purification processes.
• Perform tangential flow filtration (TFF) and related downstream processing activities.
• Support process development, optimization, scale-up, and technology transfer activities.
• Evaluate RNA purity and concentration using analytical techniques including Fragment Analyzer, NanoDrop, CE, Bioanalyzer, gel electrophoresis, and UV spectroscopy.
• Maintain accurate and thorough laboratory documentation in accordance with good documentation practices.
• Follow GLP/GMP principles, laboratory safety procedures, and applicable BSL requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support internal programs and client-facing projects.
• Contribute to troubleshooting, process improvement, and other activities as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Engineering, or a related discipline with 1-2 years of relevant hands-on experience, or a Master’s degree with relevant industry or academic experience.
• Hands-on experience with mRNA/xRNA drug substance process development and/or manufacturing processes.
• Practical experience with IVT and RNA process development.
• Experience with AKTA chromatography and purification process development/optimization.
• Hands-on experience with TFF, including process development, scale-up, or technology transfer.
• Experience with RNA characterization and analytical techniques such as Fragment Analyzer/CE, Bioanalyzer, gel electrophoresis, UV spectroscopy, or NanoDrop.
• Understanding of pharmaceutical/biotechnology processes and laboratory best practices.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced laboratory environment.