Senior Scientist I/Senior Scientist II, Analytical Sciences

Sail Biomedicines; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Sail Biomedicines is seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist to lead analytics development for RNA drug substances and lipid nanoparticle products. You will drive method development, qualification, validation, and technology transfer while coordinating with Process Development, Manufacturing, and platform teams.

The role emphasizes data-driven decision making, rigorous scientific judgment, and mentorship of junior scientists in a fast-paced environment focused on advancing preclinical and

Qualifications

• PhD with 3+ years of industry experience or MS with 7+ years or BS with 9+ years in a biotech/pharma setting.
• Proven experience developing, optimizing, qualifying, validating, and transferring analytical methods.
• Strong background in analytics for biologics, nucleic acids, lipids, or gene therapies.
• Hands-on experience with multiple analytical techniques (chromatography, CE, UV-Vis, DLS, plate assays, ligand-binding, molecular biology, cell-based assays).

Responsibilities

• Lead development, optimization, qualification, and transfer of analytical methods for RNA drugs and lipid nanoparticles.
• Design and execute studies to characterize quality attributes (purity, potency, identity, concentration).
• Develop phase-appropriate methods and criteria based on program stage and use.
• Troubleshoot complex analytical challenges and propose data-driven solutions.
• Lead investigations into impurities, degradation pathways, and method performance issues.
• Collaborate with Process Development, Preclinical Manufacturing, MS&T, and platform teams to advance programs.

Skills

Analytical method development

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical writing

Data analysis

Education

PhD in Analytical Chemistry

MS in related field

BS in related field

Tools

Benchling

JMP

GraphPad Prism

Job description

About Sail

Sail Biomedicines is pioneering the integrative design and deployment of fully programmable medicines to transform patient care. Sail’s platform brings together programmable circular RNA technology (eRNA™), targeted nanoparticle delivery, and advanced computational approaches to design medicines that are potent, targeted, versatile, and tunable. Sail was founded by Flagship Pioneering.

The Role

Sail Biomedicines is seeking a highly motivated and scientifically rigorous Senior Scientist to join the Analytical Sciences team. This individual will lead analytical method development, optimization, qualification, and transfer activities supporting Sail’s eRNA and lipid nanoparticle programs.

The Senior Scientist will work at the interface of analytical development, process development, formulation, manufacturing, and product characterization. This individual will apply strong scientific judgment to solve complex analytical challenges, generate high-quality data, and develop phase-appropriate methods and testing strategies that support preclinical and clinical program advancement.

The successful candidate is self-motivated, curious, collaborative, and comfortable operating in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. This role requires strong technical leadership, attention to detail, and a commitment to translating analytical insights into program decisions and meaningful impact for patients.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, optimization, qualification, and transfer of analytical methods for RNA drug substance, lipid nanoparticle drug product, process intermediates, raw materials, and in-process samples.
• Design and execute scientifically rigorous studies to characterize product quality, purity, potency, identity, concentration, and other critical quality attributes.
• Develop phase-appropriate analytical methods and define method performance criteria based on product knowledge, program stage, and intended use.
• Independently troubleshoot complex analytical and technical challenges and develop creative, data-driven solutions.
• Lead investigations of product- and process-related impurities, degradation pathways, method performance issues, and atypical analytical results.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Process Development, Preclinical Manufacturing, MS&T, and platform teams to advance program goals.
• Evaluate and implement new analytical technologies that improve method robustness, sensitivity, throughput, scalability, or compliance.
• Author and review analytical procedures, protocols, technical reports, and study summaries.
• Maintain thorough and accurate documentation in electronic laboratory notebooks and relevant data management systems.
• Analyze and interpret complex datasets and present findings clearly in oral and written formats to internal and external stakeholders to enable alignment and decision-making.
• Manage multiple priorities, identify technical risks, and drive analytical deliverables to completion within program timelines.
• Stay current with relevant scientific literature, regulatory guidance, and technical advances in RNA therapeutics, nanoparticle delivery, and analytical development.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior scientists and contribute to a collaborative and accountable team environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field with 3+ years of relevant industry experience; M.S. with 7+ years of relevant industry experience; or B.S. with 9+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Demonstrated experience developing, optimizing, qualifying, validating, and transferring analytical methods in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical environment.
• Strong scientific background in analytical development for biologics, nucleic acid therapeutics, lipid nanoparticles, gene therapies, or other complex therapeutic modalities.
• Hands-on experience with multiple analytical techniques, such as chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, UV-Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, plate-based assays, ligand-binding assays, molecular biology methods, or cell-based assays.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design experiments, analyze complex data, troubleshoot technical problems, and drive studies to completion.
• Experience supporting product characterization, process development, formulation development, stability studies, specifications, or comparability assessments.
• Strong understanding of analytical method lifecycle principles, including development, qualification, validation, transfer, and performance monitoring.
• Excellent technical writing, data analysis, organizational, presentation, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining scientific rigor, attention to detail, and high-quality documentation.
• Strong collaborative spirit with the ability to work effectively across scientific disciplines and with internal and external partners.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with RNA analytical characterization, including methods for RNA identity, integrity, purity, concentration, structure, and functional expression.
• Experience with lipid nanoparticle characterization methods, such as particle size, polydispersity, encapsulation efficiency, lipid content, or potency.
• Experience supporting GLP toxicology, clinical manufacturing, stability, or regulatory submission activities, particularly experience with early Phase programs.
• Working knowledge of phase-appropriate GxP requirements and relevant ICH guidance.
• Experience working with CDMOs or contract testing laboratories.
• Experience with statistical analysis and information management tools such as JMP, GraphPad Prism, Benchling, or similar platforms.

Salary Range: $125,000 - $175,000

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.