Senior Research Associate, High-Throughput RNA Production

American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy; Cambridge, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Sail Biomedicines is seeking a Senior Research Associate, high-throughput RNA production, to execute end-to-end RNA generation for its programmable circular RNA platform. The role emphasizes precision, rapid learning, and accountability in a fast-paced team focused on real-world patient impact.

You will clone plasmids, assess RNA quality, coordinate with vendors, and maintain rigorous electronic lab records, enabling scalable, repeatable processes for SB-HTP RNA production.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, or related fields with 2+ years of relevant experience, or M.S. in Life Sciences.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Strong collaborative spirit and communication skills.
• Excellent record keeping.

Responsibilities

• Perform high-throughput cloning of plasmid constructs and RNA generation through in vitro transcription (IVT).
• Determine circularization efficiency and impurity levels by analytic assays.
• Coordinate DNA synthesis and scale-up orders with external vendors.
• Manage raw material and RNA inventories.
• Collaborate with automation engineer to improve process workflow.
• Maintain detailed documentation in electronic lab notebooks.
• Present findings to platform teams and contribute to discussions.

Skills

Multitasking

Collaboration & communication

Record keeping

Education

B.S. or M.S. in Life Sciences / related field

Tools

HPLC

Hamilton automation

Benchling

SnapGene

Excel

Job description

About Sail

Sail Biomedicines is pioneering the integrative design and deployment of fully programmable medicines to transform patient care. Sail’s platform combines first-in-class programmable circular RNA technology (Endless RNA™ or eRNA), and an industry-leading platform of programmable nanoparticles, utilizing natural components, to unlock comprehensive programming of medicines for the first time. By leveraging cutting-edge eRNA and nanoparticle deployment technology, Sail is also making unparalleled use of AI techniques to identify and design fully programmable medicines that are potent, targeted, versatile, and tunable. Sail was founded by Flagship Pioneering.

The Role

The Senior Research Associate, high-throughput (HTP) RNA production, serves an important role in generating RNAs to advance Sail’s first-in-class programmable circular RNA technology (Endless RNA™ or eRNA). This role will carry out end-to-end process of high-throughput RNA production, from template plasmid cloning to RNA generation and clean up. The successful candidate is organized, attentive to details, a fast learner with a strong sense of responsibility who takes pride in his/her work. The team looks forward to helping you strive in this exciting and fast-paced environment to make a real-world impact on patients’ lives.

Responsibilities

• Perform high-throughput cloning of plasmid constructs and RNA generation through in vitro transcription (IVT)
• Determine circularization efficiency and impurity levels by running analytic assays
• Coordinate DNA synthesis and scale-up orders with external vendors
• Manage raw material and RNA inventories
• Collaborate with automation engineer to improve process workflow
• Maintain detailed documentation in electronic lab notebooks
• Present findings clearly to platform teams and contribute to scientific discussions and decision-making

Qualifications

• B.S. in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field with 2+ years of relevant full-time industry or academic research experience, or M.S. in Life Sciences
• Ability to manage multiple tasks at once efficiently
• Strong collaborative spirit and communication skills
• Excellent record keeping

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in molecular biology including cloning, RNA production and purification
• Familiarity with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or other column-based purification/analytic methods
• Experience with automated liquid handling systems (e.g., Hamilton) and high-throughput laboratory workflows
• Experience using data analysis and information management tools, such as Excel, Graphic Prism, SnapGene, Benchling
• Experience in inventory management

Salary Range: $75,000 - $95,000

Sail Biomedicines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Sail does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.