Senior Scientist, RNA Process Sciences and Innovation

Company Overview:

Strand Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering programmable mRNA therapeutics to unlock the full potential of genetic medicines. Strand is applying its proprietary Signal Stack platform, which integrates EverScript circular RNA, AmpliScript self-replicating RNA, SignalPath targeted delivery, and logic-driven SignalLock genetic circuits to enable precise control of therapeutic activity across tissues and cell types and overcome foundational limitations in targeting, durability, and safety.

Strand is advancing a pipeline with an initial focus on oncology and autoimmune disease. Its initial program, STX-001, an intratumorally delivered LNP-encapsulated self-replicating RNA expressing IL-12, has demonstrated preliminary evidence of systemic immune activation and anti-tumor activity in patients with advanced solid tumors who have progressed on prior therapies. Building on this early clinical validation, intravenously delivered STX-003 is designed for tumor-targeted expression and avoidance of off-target expression. STX-003, which is expected to enter the clinic in mid-2026, has the potential to be a major step forward for the fields of genetic medicine and oncology. Strand is also advancing STX-005, an in vivo CAR-T program designed to enable controlled, durable expression and repeat dosing. Founded by MIT synthetic biology pioneers, Strand has raised over $250 million and is headquartered in Boston, MA. 

Become the next standout single strand!

Job Summary:

Strand is seeking a highly motivated and innovative Senior Scientist to join our Process Development team and lead Process Sciences & Innovation across our mRNA platforms.

This role is intended for an experienced lab based technical leader who thrives on solving difficult problems, challenging conventional approaches, and identifying transformative technologies that can fundamentally improve how mRNA products are developed and manufactured. The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in mRNA process development, a strong understanding of emerging technologies, and a passion for translating novel ideas into practical solutions.

Reporting to the Director of Process Development, this individual will serve as the technical lead for Process Sciences & Innovation, partnering closely with Analytical Development and Research, to identify, evaluate, and implement next-generation technologies that enhance process understanding, development efficiency, scalability, and product quality.

The ideal candidate is an intellectually curious scientist who actively seeks out new ideas, remains at the forefront of advances in RNA therapeutics and bioprocessing, and is energized by bringing innovative technologies and concepts into practical application. This role will help shape the future direction of Strand’s mRNA development capabilities.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Own the technology scouting function for Process Development by identifying, evaluating, and championing emerging technologies that have the potential to transform mRNA development and manufacturing.
• Design and execute experimental studies that challenge existing process paradigms and generate new approaches to mRNA synthesis and purification.
• Partner closely with Analytical Development to develop and implement advanced characterization methods, process analytical technologies (PAT), in-line monitoring strategies, and real-time process understanding tools.
• Evaluate emerging instrumentation, automation platforms, digital technologies, and data science approaches that can accelerate process development and improve manufacturing robustness.
• Develop innovative strategies to improve process performance, scalability, reproducibility, and product quality across mRNA unit operations.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in mRNA process development and provide technical leadership across research, development, and manufacturing activities.
• Lead scientific investigations into complex process and product challenges and develop creative, data-driven solutions.
• Establish mechanistic understanding of critical process parameters and material attributes through thoughtful experimental design and data analysis.
• Maintain awareness of scientific and technological advances through active participation in conferences, publications, industry forums, and professional networks.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain electronic laboratory notebooks and author technical reports, protocols, presentations, and scientific summaries.

Qualifications:

• B.S. or Advanced Degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Significant industry experience developing mRNA, saRNA, circRNA or related nucleic acid therapeutic products, with demonstrated technical leadership and scientific innovation.
• Deep understanding of DNA/mRNA synthesis, purification, and characterization required.
• Proven track record of identifying, evaluating, and implementing new technologies, methodologies, or workflows that improve process understanding, development efficiency, scalability, or product quality.
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively and challenge conventional approaches to solve complex technical problems.
• Strong understanding of process development principles and the relationship between process parameters, material attributes, and product quality.
• Experience collaborating across scientific disciplines, particularly with Analytical Development, Research, Manufacturing, and external partners.
• Familiarity with advanced analytical technologies, process analytical technologies (PAT), in-line monitoring, automation, digital process development, and advanced data analysis techniques is highly desirable.
• Experience with Design of Experiments (DOE), multivariate analysis, mechanistic process understanding, and data-driven process optimization approaches.
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead technical initiatives while effectively contributing within a highly collaborative team environment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Self-motivated, intellectually curious, and passionate about advancing the state of the art in RNA therapeutics and nanoparticle delivery technologies.

Strand offers a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, team-focused small company environment. We also offer a top-notch benefits package (health, dental, life, open PTO, onsite lunch catering, commuter support and more) and work/life flexibility and integration. Being part of the Strand team allows you to become part of a small team that supports professional development while working together to meet Strand’s goals. 

Strand Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis protected by applicable law. Strand does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $132,000 - $142,000 annually plus bonus and equity incentives