Senior Research Associate, Platform RNA Sciences

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

Job summary

Sail Biomedicines in Cambridge, MA is seeking a Senior Research Associate, Platform RNA Sciences to advance Endless RNA technology. This role will optimize eRNA purification, improve circularization, and refine design, contributing to a fast-paced, impact-driven environment.

The ideal candidate will design rigorous experiments, perform thorough data analysis, and maintain meticulous documentation while collaborating across teams to accelerate platform learning and reporting of results.

Qualifications

• BS or MS with relevant research experience in life sciences.
• Experience with analytics and data tools including Excel, JMP, Benchling, and related platforms.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills for cross-functional teams.
• Excellent record keeping and documentation practices.

Responsibilities

• Perform experiments to optimize eRNA purification.
• Determine circularization efficiency and impurity levels via analytic assays.
• Conduct library and small-scale eRNA production for platform learning projects.
• Monitor RNA immune reactivity and protein expression in cells.
• Design properly controlled experiments and generate high-quality data.
• Maintain detailed documentation in electronic lab notebooks.
• Present findings clearly to platform teams and contribute to discussions and decisions.

Skills

Excel

Graphic Prism

JMP

Benchling

Data analysis

Prioritization

Collaboration

Communication

Education

BS/MS in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, or related field

Tools

HPLC

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, Platform RNA Sciences, will work on key projects to advance Sail’s first-in-class programmable circular RNA technology (Endless RNA™ or eRNA). This role will help optimize eRNA purification processes, improve circularization, and upgrade our eRNA design. The successful candidate is organized, and 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 experiments to optimize eRNA purification
• Determine circularization efficiency and impurity levels by running analytic assays
• Conduct library and small scale eRNA production for platform learning projects
• Monitor RNA immune reactivity and protein expression in cells
• Design properly controlled experiments, generate high-quality data, and run rigorous statistical analysis
• 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 4+ years or M.S. with 2+ years of full-time industry or academic research experience
• Experience using data analysis and information management tools, such as Excel, Graphic Prism, JMP, SnapGene, Benchling
• Ability to manage multiple tasks at once while knowing how to prioritize
• Strong collaborative spirit and communication skills
• Excellent record keeping

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in RNA production and purification
• Familiarity with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or other column-based purification/analytic methods
• Experience in cell culture and assays to monitor protein expression (e.g., ELLA, ELISA, IncuCyte, flow cytometry)

Salary Range

$75,000 - $95,000

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.