Senior Research Associate, Process Sciences

Meet Life Sciences; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Meet Life Sciences in Boston is seeking a Senior Research Associate to support the Process Sciences team, developing and scaling xRNA production from lab through intermediate scale. The role centers on in vitro transcription, downstream purification, process optimization, and analytical characterization of RNA products in a collaborative lab/office setting.

You will work with Process Sciences leadership on internal programs and client-facing development, perform IVT reactions, troubleshoot

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Engineering, or related with 1–2 years of relevant experience, or Master’s with hands-on RNA/xRNA or drug substance process development.
• Hands-on experience with IVT and xRNA/mRNA production processes including scale-up or tech transfer.
• Experience with AKTA chromatography and purification, TFF and downstream process development.
• Experience using analytical characterization techniques: Fragment Analyzer, CE, Bioanalyzer/gel, UV, NanoDrop.
• Strong written and verbal communication, with good lab safety practices and GMP-like environments.

Responsibilities

• Perform and support IVT reactions at small and intermediate scales.
• Troubleshoot and optimize IVT and downstream purification processes.
• Execute chromatography and purification activities for IVT products (AKTA, TFF).
• Conduct analytical characterization of RNA products (purity, concentration).
• Maintain rigorous documentation and support technology transfer and manufacturing activities.

Skills

Hands-on RNA process development

Analytical characterization

Written and verbal communication

Lab safety and GMP awareness

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's in Pharmaceutical Sciences/Engineering or related (1-2 years)

Master’s with RNA/xRNA or drug substance process development experience

Tools

AKTA chromatography

Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF)

Fragment Analyzer

Capillary electrophoresis

Bioanalyzer

UV spectroscopy

NanoDrop

Job description

Senior Research Associate, Process Sciences -- for growing RNA CDMO in Boston

Full-time, permanent, fully onsite role

No visa sponsorship provided at this time

We're partnered with a growing CDMO advancing next-generation RNA therapeutics and drug product manufacturing. As a Senior Research Associate within the Process Sciences team, you will support the development and scale-up of xRNA production processes from laboratory through intermediate scale. This hands-on role will focus on in vitro transcription (IVT), downstream purification, process optimization, and analytical characterization of RNA products. You will work closely with Process Sciences leadership in a collaborative lab and office environment, contributing to both internal programs and client-facing development activities. This is an excellent opportunity for a scientist with hands-on RNA process development experience who wants to build expertise in scalable manufacturing processes and technology transfer.

Job Duties

• Perform and support in vitro transcription (IVT) reactions at small and intermediate scales, including work with stirred-tank and wave-based reaction systems.
• Troubleshoot, optimize, and develop IVT and downstream purification processes to improve process performance and support scale-up activities.
• Execute and support chromatography and purification activities for IVT products, including hands-on work with AKTA purification systems and TFF processes.
• Perform analytical characterization of RNA products, including assessment of purity and concentration using Fragment Analyzer, capillary electrophoresis, Bioanalyzer/gel electrophoresis, UV spectroscopy, and NanoDrop.
• Maintain strong laboratory and documentation practices while supporting process development, technology transfer, and manufacturing activities in accordance with applicable pharmaceutical/biotech and safety requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Engineering, or a related discipline with 1-2 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree/equivalent with hands-on experience in mRNA/xRNA or drug substance process development.
• Hands-on experience with IVT and xRNA/mRNA production processes, including process development, optimization, scale-up, and/or technology transfer.
• Practical experience with AKTA chromatography and purification processes, as well as tangential flow filtration (TFF) and downstream process development.
• Experience using analytical characterization techniques and instrumentation including Fragment Analyzer/CE, Bioanalyzer or gel electrophoresis, UV spectroscopy, and NanoDrop.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a solid understanding of laboratory safety practices, BSL requirements, good laboratory practices, and pharmaceutical/biotechnology processes.