Senior Scientist/ Principal Scientist, mRNA Production, Process & Analytical Development

Typewriter Therapeutics, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision insurance

401k plan

mobile phone allowance

well-being resources

commuter benefits

adoption assistance

Job summary

Typewriter is seeking a Senior Scientist / Principal Scientist to lead production, process development, and analytical characterization of IVT mRNA for preclinical animal studies. This on-site role combines hands-on lab work (80%) with experiment planning and CDMO oversight (20%), interfacing with LNP formulations and in vivo pharmacology to advance the program.

The candidate will scale mRNA, optimize purification (DNase, dsRNA removal, chromatography, TFF), establish DOE principles, and develop

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, chemical engineering, bioengineering, pharmaceutics, or related discipline with at least 4 years of relevant industry experience (6+ years for the Principal level)
• Hands-on experience with mRNA IVT and purification processes (e.g., chromatography, TFF)
• Experience with analytical methods for mRNA (capillary electrophoresis, HPLC, UV-Vis, plate-based assays, dsRNA quantitation)

Responsibilities

• Produce NHP-scale mRNA including plasmid scaleup, template linearization, IVT, and purification.
• Design, characterize, and optimize IVT and purification operations for yield, purity, and integrity.
• Develop DOE principles for process development and related activities.
• Develop and qualify analytical methods for mRNA identity, integrity, purity, and residuals.
• Establish specifications, in-process controls, and stability programs.
• Manage external CDMOs for sourcing, scale-up, technology transfer, and capability building.
• Maintain meticulous documentation of all experimental data and procedures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and supervise a small mRNA production team.

Skills

mRNA IVT

RNA purification

DOE principles

analytical methods

CDMO oversight

process development

team leadership

documentation

cross-functional collaboration

Education

PhD in relevant field

MS in relevant field

BS in relevant field

Job description

Typewriter is authoring a new chapter in durable genetic medicine for cancer and other life-threatening diseases.We insert a durable, full working gene into a genomic safe-harbor site using only RNA, delivered by lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) without double-stranded DNA breaks. The Typewriter approach makes genetic medicine safer, repeatable, and accessible to more patients.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented Senior Scientist / Principal Scientist to be a key member of the mRNA team to lead the production, process development, and analytical characterization of in vitro transcribed (IVT) mRNA for our preclinical animal studies. This is a hands-on, on-site laboratory role, with approximately 80% lab-based work and 20% dedicated to experiment planning and CDMO oversight. While supervising a small team, this individual will assume technical leadership of and be actively engaged in the production, purification, and process optimization of mRNA IVT, and in developing the analytical methods that define product quality. This individual will also interface with cross-functional teams including LNP formulations and in vivo pharmacology to advance pipeline programs. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to produce and purify mRNA at scale, develop robust and reproducible processes, and establish the analytics that ensure batch-to-batch consistency. The candidate is expected to be a strong collaborator who enjoys scientific discovery, has a passion for working on cutting-edge technology, and can communicate effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic, and interdisciplinary environment.

Responsibilities:

• Produce NHP-scale mRNA, including plasmid scaleup, template linearization, IVT, and purification.
• Design, characterize, and optimize IVT and purification operations (e.g., DNase treatment, dsRNA removal, chromatography, TFF) for yield, purity, and integrity.
• Develop Design of Experiment (DOE) principles for process development and related activities.
• Develop and qualify analytical methods for mRNA identity, integrity, purity, capping efficiency, poly(A), and residuals (e.g., dsRNA, residual DNA and protein).
• Establish specifications, in-process controls, and stability programs appropriate to program stage.
• Manage external CDMOs for sourcing, scale-up, technology transfer, and capability building.
• Maintain meticulous documentation of all experimental data, procedures, and protocols.
• Review and analyze data and be able to present and explain across the functional teams.
• Collaborate with a team of scientists to creatively solve problems and drive innovation; supervise and inspire small mRNA production team.
• Maintain high standards for scientific integrity and accountability.
• Communicate across groups and support project teams.

Requirements:

• PhD in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, chemical engineering, bioengineering, pharmaceutics, or related discipline with at least 4 years of relevant industry experience (6+ years for the Principal level), MS (in the same subject areas as above) with at least 8 years of relevant industry experience, BS (in the same subject areas as above) with at least 10 years of relevant industry experience
• Hands-on experience with mRNA IVT, and with developing mRNA purification processes (e.g., chromatography, TFF) is required
• Hands-on experience with analytical methods for mRNA (e.g., capillary electrophoresis/fragment analysis, HPLC, UV-Vis, and plate-based fluorescence assays, and dsRNA quantitation) is required
• Hands-on experience with production scales for NHP studies or larger is requiredExperience with technology transfer to CDMOs and phase-appropriate CMC/IND-enabling activities is preferred
• Able to conduct self-directed research and thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced entrepreneurial setting with a diverse team of coworkers
• Exceptional problem-solving skills, creativity, enthusiasm, and reliability
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and meticulous data documentation
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks while maintaining accuracy
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for cross-functional collaboration
• Flexibility to adapt to evolving project priorities in a dynamic environment
• Scientifically curious, paired with a strong work ethic and grit
• Open-minded, respectful of others, and a strong proponent of an inclusive culture
• Embraces the lean start-up mentality and is willing to wear multiple hats

EEOC Statement

Typewriter employees and job applicants are protected from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, gender expression, parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors. These protections apply to all employment decisions, including recruitment, hiring, performance evaluations, promotions, training, and career development.

Salary range: $160K - $195K, depending on experience

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision insurance
• 401k plan
• mobile phone allowance
• well-being resources
• commuter benefits
• adoption assistance