Senior Scientist, Molecular Biology

ImmunoVec; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Equity participation (stock options)

Job summary

ImmunoVec is seeking a Senior Scientist to lead our Molecular Biology team. You will design scalable workflows for production of minicircle DNA, ssDNA, IVT mRNA, and other engineered DNA formats, mentoring researchers and setting milestones.

You will collaborate with leadership to advance non-viral DNA delivery technologies and novel molecular tools at scale. The role emphasizes hands-on bench work, experimentation, and cross-functional coordination in a fast-growing startup environment, with a

Qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, Genome Engineering, or closely related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead scalable workflows for minicircle DNA, circular/linear ssDNA, and engineered DNA architectures.

Skills

Molecular Biology

Synthetic Biology

Genome Engineering

Cell Engineering

Leadership

Communication

Education

PhD in Molecular Biology or related field

Tools

IVT mRNA production

High-throughput cloning

NGS library prep

Massively Parallel Reporter Assays (MPRAs)

Job description

WHO WE ARE

ImmunoVec is a pioneering biotechnology company developing non-viral, DNA-based in vivo therapies for autoimmune diseases, cancer, and genetic disorders. Emerged from stealth in October 2025 with $40.7 million in funding from ARPA-H's EMBODY program , ImmunoVec is pushing the boundaries of in vivo cell engineering.

Our proprietary platform combines cell-type-specific DNA constructs with targeted non-viral delivery vehicles. We aim to deliver safer, more potent, and far more accessible therapies at unprecedented scale, speed, and cost.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for a highly experienced Senior Scientist to join our Molecular Biology team and lead key programs across the group.

A major part of this role will be developing and optimizing scalable workflows for the reliable production of minicircle DNA, single-stranded circular DNA, IVT mRNA, and novel engineered DNA formats.

You will also work alongside scientific leadership to design the next generation of engineered molecular components to improve non-viral DNA delivery and function, including novel DNA-binding proteins, engineered DNA cofactors, recombinases, transposases, and other molecular biology tools.

This is a hands-on role for a scientist with exceptionally strong molecular biology fundamentals who enjoys building novel molecular technologies from first principles and turning new ideas into robust, scalable experimental systems. You will have the opportunity to shape how these technologies are built, tested, and advanced, leading and mentoring a team of research associates while working alongside them at the bench.

The ideal candidate has designed or developed a new molecular biology tool, genetic engineering system, or nucleic‑acid architecture during their PhD, postdoctoral training, or industry career.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the design and development of scalable workflows for the production of advanced nucleic‑acid formats, including minicircle DNA, circular and linear single‑stranded DNA, and other engineered DNA architectures


• Design and optimize assays to characterize novel DNA constructs and nucleic‑acid products


• Lead and optimize IVT mRNA production for various constructs


• Design and build novel engineered molecular components, including DNA-binding proteins, recombinases, transposases, and other molecular biology tools


• Oversee and execute high-throughput molecular screens using Massively Parallel Reporter Assays (MPRAs)


• Library design for multiplex screening


• DNA and RNA Library construction for NSG and QC workflows


• Ability to rapidly evaluate emerging technologies across in vivo cell engineering, non-viral DNA delivery, nucleic‑acid engineering, and gene regulation by reviewing the scientific literature and patents and understanding the underlying molecular design and technology from first principles


• Mentor Research Associates and Research Technicians within the Molecular Biology team, providing clear experimental direction, troubleshooting support, while working alongside them at the bench


• Establish clear experimental plans, documentation, timelines, and communication to ensure key molecular biology programs remain tightly coordinated with downstream teams

QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD in a relevant area such as Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, Genome Engineering, or a closely related field with 3-5+ years of post-PhD experience (postdoc or industry experience)


• Extensive hands‑on experience executing and troubleshooting high‑throughput cloning of large numbers of DNA constructs is required, including:


• Design and construction of pDNA constructs including novel expression cassettes, chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), recombinases, genome editors, and transposases


• Construction of DNA libraries for directed‑evolution and mutagenesis screens


• High-throughput cloning campaigns involving 50–100+ plasmids at a time


• Extensive hands‑on experience with IVT mRNA production and mRNA QC is required.


• Experience with DNA and RNA library preparation for NGS is required


• Experience producing and working with minicircle DNA and single‑stranded circular DNA is strongly preferred


• Experience designing, executing, and troubleshooting high‑complexity molecular screens, including Massively Parallel Reporter Assays (MPRAs), is highly desirable.


• Strong communication with the ability to clearly explain scientific concepts, experimental designs, and results is essential


• Ambitious and goal‑oriented and thrive in a dynamic and fast‑growing startup environment


• Passionate about the impact of their scientific contributions and working together as a team to develop novel therapies that have the potential to change patients’ lives

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Compensation range: $125,000 to $140,000 per year, commensurate with experience.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with competitive company contribution.


• Life, AD&D, and disability insurance.


• Equity participation (stock options).