Senior Research Associate, In Vitro Pharmacology

Saturnus Bio; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Saturnus Bio, a precision cardiology therapeutics company, seeks an in vitro pharmacologist to join our team and develop new oligonucleotide therapeutics for genetic cardiomyopathy populations. The successful candidate will excel in high-quality research and contribute on projects through early discovery.

You will design, develop, and execute assays to quantify RNA and protein modulation, collaborating with chemistry and translational teams to advance candidates from discovery through lead

Qualifications

• BA with 5+ years biotech/pharma lab experience or MA with 3+ years biotech/pharma lab experience.
• Expertise in RNA-targeting oligonucleotide therapeutics including ASO/siRNA screening.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, transfection methods, and quantitative assays for nucleic acids and proteins.
• Ability to work independently with flexibility to adapt to company priorities.
• Time management and strong record-keeping with electronic notebooks.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to ASO/siRNA discovery programs from target evaluation to lead selection.
• Develop, optimize, and apply molecular, cellular, and biochemical assays to quantify RNA and protein modulation.
• Collaborate with chemistry, bioinformatics, and translational teams to advance oligonucleotide therapeutics.
• Maintain accurate experimental documentation and reports.
• Present results at cross-functional team meetings.

Skills

RNA targeting oligonucleotide

Mammalian cell culture

Transfection methods

Quantitative RNA/protein assays

Independent work

Electronic notebooks

Education

Bachelor's degree in biotech/pharma

Master's degree in biotech/pharma

Job description

Saturnus Bio is a precision cardiology therapeutics company that utilizes targeted gene modulation to address mono-genetic cardiomyopathies with significant unmet need. Saturnus Bio is seeking a dedicated and talented in vitro pharmacologist to join our team and develop new oligonucleotide therapeutics for genetic cardiomyopathy populations. The successful candidate will excel in high-quality research and be a key contributor on projects throughout early discovery. The position will have responsibilities for assay design, development, and execution for key in vitro pharmacology efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the scientific execution of ASO/siRNA discovery programs targeting monogenic cardiomyopathies, from target evaluation through candidate and lead selection.
• Develop, optimize, and apply molecular, cellular, and biochemical assays (including qPCR/dPCR, reporter assays, ELISA, MSD-ECL, and automated capillary western blotting) to quantify RNA and protein modulation.
• Collaborate closely with chemistry, bioinformatics, and translational research teams to advance oligonucleotide therapeutics from discovery through candidate selection.
• Maintain accurate experimental documentation and reports
• Present results at cross-functional team meetings

Required Qualifications

• B.A. and 5 years of biotech/pharma lab experience; or M.A. and 3 years of biotech/pharma lab experience
• Expertise in RNA targeting oligonucleotide therapeutics, including evaluations of ASO/siRNA screening, mammalian cell culture, various cell transfection methods, and various quantitative assays for nucleic acids and proteins.
• Ability to work independently with flexibility to adapt with company priorities
• Time management and organizational skills to enable high quality effort towards multiple projects or experiments concurrently
• Strong organization and record keeping habits in electronic notebooks

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with targeted oligonucleotide delivery platforms.
• Expertise in iPSC-derived cardiomyocyte biology, cardiac disease modeling, and functional cardiac assays.
• Experience with RNA-targeted therapeutics approaches, including oligonucleotide-based modalities.
• Broad expertise in modern molecular biology techniques, including CRISPR genome engineering, viral vector systems (AAV/lentivirus), flow cytometry, next-generation sequencing, and high-content imaging.
• Experience establishing discovery platforms that integrate computational predictions with experimental validation for target discovery and prioritization.
• Strong publication and/or patent record in RNA therapeutics or related fields.
• Demonstrated track record of mentoring scientists, building technical capabilities, and advancing discovery programs from concept through candidate selection.