Senior Research Associate In Vitro Pharmacology

Saturnus Bio; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Saturnus Bio is seeking an in vitro pharmacologist to join our team and develop new oligonucleotide therapeutics for genetic cardiomyopathy populations. The role emphasizes assay design, development, and execution for early discovery, with collaboration across chemistry and translational research teams.

You will contribute to ASO/siRNA programs, quantify RNA and protein modulation using diverse assays, and maintain rigorous documentation while presenting findings at cross-functional meetings.

Qualifications

• B.A. with 5 years biotech/pharma lab experience or M.A. with 3 years biotech/pharma lab experience.
• Expertise in RNA-targeted oligonucleotide therapeutics and various nucleic acid/protein assays.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects.
• Strong documentation and organization in 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 research teams to advance oligonucleotide therapeutics.
• Maintain accurate experimental documentation and reports.
• Present results at cross-functional team meetings.

Skills

RNA targeting oligonucleotides

Mammalian cell culture

Transfection techniques

Quantitative assays

Independent work

Record keeping

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

qPCR/dPCR

ELISA

MSD-ECL

Capillary western blotting

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.