Senior Scientist, siRNA therapeutics

Qilu Pharmaceuticals; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Qilu Pharmaceuticals seeks highly motivated scientists to join our RNA Therapy team. The role focuses on siRNA therapeutic discovery, combining in vitro and in vivo approaches to advance preclinical candidates for metabolic, liver, neurological, and ocular diseases.

You will develop and optimize cellular and biochemical assays, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and present findings to leadership. PhD with 3+ years biotech experience required.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Neuroscience, or a related discipline, with 3+ years of industry experience in biotechnology or pharmaceutical research; or 5+ years of relevant postdoctoral experience.
• Experience working with siRNA, ASO, or other oligonucleotide therapeutics.
• Extensive hands-on experience with RT-qPCR, ELISA, Western blotting, mammalian cell culture, animal handling, tissue collection, and tissue processing is required.
• Preferred technical skills include primary neuronal cell culture, stem-loop qPCR, and rodent dosing techniques, including tail vein injection and intracranial administration.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute preclinical screening and evaluation of siRNA candidates to support lead identification and candidate selection through integrated in vitro and in vivo studies.
• Investigate target biology and mechanism of action; design and conduct proof-of-concept studies to validate therapeutic targets in collaboration with internal teams and external partner.
• Develop, optimize, and implement cellular and biochemical assays to support drug discovery and preclinical research activities.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including chemistry, non-clinical development, bioinformatics, and external CRO partner.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously while delivering high-quality results within established timeline.
• Demonstrate scientific creativity, critical thinking, and a strong commitment to innovation.
• Maintain compliance with applicable SOPs and laboratory standards; provide technical guidance and training to junior team members as needed.
• Present scientific findings to project teams, leadership committees, and external collaborators. Communicate effectively across functions and organizational level

Skills

RT-qPCR

ELISA

Western blotting

Mammalian cell culture

Animal handling

Tissue processing

Stem-loop qPCR

Rodent dosing techniques

Presentation skills

Scientific writing

Education

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Neuroscience, or related

Job description

Qilu Pharmaceuticals is a leading pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical company in China, with 3 innovation centers in the US. We are seeking highly motivated and experienced scientists with strong assay development expertise to join our collaborative and fast-growing RNA Therapy team.

The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing innovative siRNA therapeutics for the treatment of serious diseases, including metabolic and liver diseases, neurological disorders, and ocular disease.

Primary Responsibilitie

• sLead and execute preclinical screening and evaluation of siRNA candidates to support lead identification and candidate selection through integrated in vitro and in vivo studie
• sInvestigate target biology and mechanism of action; design and conduct proof-of-concept studies to validate therapeutic targets in collaboration with internal teams and external partner
• sDevelop, optimize, and implement cellular and biochemical assays to support drug discovery and preclinical research activitie
• sCollaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including chemistry, non-clinical development, bioinformatics, and external CRO partner
• sManage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously while delivering high-quality results within established timeline
• sDemonstrate scientific creativity, critical thinking, and a strong commitment to innovatio
• nMaintain compliance with applicable SOPs and laboratory standards; provide technical guidance and training to junior team members as neede
• dPresent scientific findings to project teams, leadership committees, and external collaborators. Communicate effectively across functions and organizational level

s
Qualifications and Experien

• cePh.D. in Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Neuroscience, or a related discipline, with: 3+ years of industry experience in biotechnology or pharmaceutical research; or 5+ years of relevant postdoctoral experienc
• e.Experience working with siRNA, ASO, or other oligonucleotide therapeutics is highly preferr
• edExtensive hands-on experience with RT-qPCR, ELISA, Western blotting, mammalian cell culture, animal handling, tissue collection, and tissue processing is requir
• edPreferred technical skills include primary neuronal cell culture, stem-loop qPCR, and experience with rodent dosing techniques, including tail vein injection and intracranial administrati

onAdditional Qualificatio

• nsDemonstrated record of scientific achievement through high-quality publications, patents, or drug discovery contributio
• nsStrong experimental design, data analysis, and problem-solving skil
• lsExcellent organizational and project management abilities, with a proven ability to work independently and manage multiple prioriti
• esThrives in a fast-paced, collaborative, and multidisciplinary research environmen
• t.Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skil