Kernal Biologics
Scientist/Senior Scientist, Synthetic Biology (mRNA Therapeutics)
Kernal Biologics, Boston, Massachusetts, us, 02298
Overview
Scientist/Senior Scientist, Synthetic Biology (mRNA Therapeutics)
Kernal Biologics, Inc. is a venture-backed therapeutics company engineering cells inside the body using AI-designed, selective mRNA and targeted LNP technology. By developing in vivo CAR-T therapies, Kernal Bio is advancing precision treatments for autoimmune diseases and blood cancers. The leadership team brings a track record of three FDA-approved therapies and over 120 patents. We are transforming the future of cell therapy design and delivery.
Job Summary We are seeking a PhD Scientist or a Senior Scientist with deep expertise in using synthetic biology tools to design, engineer, and construct template DNAs for in vitro transcribed (IVT) mRNA production. Successful candidates will also synthesize, purify, and test mRNAs in vitro in various human and murine cell lines.
Responsibilities
DNA template design and construction. Partner with external CDMOs for DNA synthesis and production for research and preclinical DNA.
Analyze DNA template quality (e.g., linearization efficiency, poly-A tail length, percentage of supercoiled plasmid) to improve mRNA quality
Support internal mRNA production (e.g., IVT reactions chromatography, UFDF) for research and preclinical drug substance
Analyze mRNA product quality via Nanodrop, Bioanalyzer, HPLC, etc.
Transfect and test IVT mRNAs in vitro in mammalian cell systems
Quantify mRNA translation by using ELISA, Flow Cytometer, luminescence etc.
Optimize the mRNA production processes
Execute high-throughput RNA synthesis, purification, and screening of early-stage drug candidates
Independently design and execute experiments to develop and optimize processes for mRNA synthesis
Contribute creatively and strategically to assay design, development, and process optimization.
Collaborate closely with cross functional teams.
Maintain thorough electronic lab notebooks and documentation records
Deliver reproducible and impactful results under ambitious timelines, present results in cross-functional meetings to a wide audience, both internally and externally.
Proactively evaluate new technologies, be versed with current literature, and implement new features and functionality into DNA & mRNA platforms.
Execute and troubleshoot standard protocols, develop and adapt new protocols into practice, and query literature to incorporate additional assays as needed
Collect, archive, process, and organize biological samples
Identify and lead external research relationships with academic and commercial partners.
Qualifications
PhD in Biological Engineering, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field, with specialization in synthetic biology
4+ years of industry experience preferred for Senior Scientist level
Expertise in RNA vector design, codon engineering, plasmid engineering, in vitro transcription, RNA purification, and transfection in mammalian systems
Advanced knowledge and significant experience with primer design, DNA isolation, and DNA assembly (e.g. Gibson)
Experience with diverse molecular biology and microbiology techniques for analysis of DNA, RNA, and protein (e.g. RT-qPCR, Western Blots, ddPCR, ELISA)
Experience with routine mammalian cell culture
Analysis of protein expression and gene reporter systems with various techniques such as flow cytometry, cell luminescence, and fluorescent microscopy
Creative, innovative, and self-driven problem solver with a demonstrated ability to work effectively with highly skilled teams in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Preferred: in vivo skills with rodents (IV, IP, PO dosing), in vivo imaging, blood/tissue collection
Preferred: Immune cell isolation and transfection experience
Preferred: NGS library preparation experience
Preferred: MPRA experience
Preferred: Experience with automation (e.g., Opentrons)
Benefits
Competitive 401(k)
Highly competitive healthcare coverage (PPO/HMO)
Free parking, a monthly subway pass, or a subsidized commuter rail pass
Free Bluebike Membership
Gym Membership Support
Flexible Spending Account
Paid parental leave, family caregiver leave, and medical leave
Paid life insurance coverage
On-site cafeteria
Competitive vacation and sick days per year
Kernal is dedicated to providing a diverse work environment and is committed to equal employment opportunity for all its employees and qualified applicants. We do not discriminate in employment practices for reasons of race, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, religion, disability, or any other legally protected status. Kernal will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Kernal Biologics by 2x
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Boston, MA .
Cambridge, MA $70,000.00-$90,000.00 3 weeks ago
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Kernal Biologics, Inc. is a venture-backed therapeutics company engineering cells inside the body using AI-designed, selective mRNA and targeted LNP technology. By developing in vivo CAR-T therapies, Kernal Bio is advancing precision treatments for autoimmune diseases and blood cancers. The leadership team brings a track record of three FDA-approved therapies and over 120 patents. We are transforming the future of cell therapy design and delivery.
Job Summary We are seeking a PhD Scientist or a Senior Scientist with deep expertise in using synthetic biology tools to design, engineer, and construct template DNAs for in vitro transcribed (IVT) mRNA production. Successful candidates will also synthesize, purify, and test mRNAs in vitro in various human and murine cell lines.
Responsibilities
DNA template design and construction. Partner with external CDMOs for DNA synthesis and production for research and preclinical DNA.
Analyze DNA template quality (e.g., linearization efficiency, poly-A tail length, percentage of supercoiled plasmid) to improve mRNA quality
Support internal mRNA production (e.g., IVT reactions chromatography, UFDF) for research and preclinical drug substance
Analyze mRNA product quality via Nanodrop, Bioanalyzer, HPLC, etc.
Transfect and test IVT mRNAs in vitro in mammalian cell systems
Quantify mRNA translation by using ELISA, Flow Cytometer, luminescence etc.
Optimize the mRNA production processes
Execute high-throughput RNA synthesis, purification, and screening of early-stage drug candidates
Independently design and execute experiments to develop and optimize processes for mRNA synthesis
Contribute creatively and strategically to assay design, development, and process optimization.
Collaborate closely with cross functional teams.
Maintain thorough electronic lab notebooks and documentation records
Deliver reproducible and impactful results under ambitious timelines, present results in cross-functional meetings to a wide audience, both internally and externally.
Proactively evaluate new technologies, be versed with current literature, and implement new features and functionality into DNA & mRNA platforms.
Execute and troubleshoot standard protocols, develop and adapt new protocols into practice, and query literature to incorporate additional assays as needed
Collect, archive, process, and organize biological samples
Identify and lead external research relationships with academic and commercial partners.
Qualifications
PhD in Biological Engineering, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field, with specialization in synthetic biology
4+ years of industry experience preferred for Senior Scientist level
Expertise in RNA vector design, codon engineering, plasmid engineering, in vitro transcription, RNA purification, and transfection in mammalian systems
Advanced knowledge and significant experience with primer design, DNA isolation, and DNA assembly (e.g. Gibson)
Experience with diverse molecular biology and microbiology techniques for analysis of DNA, RNA, and protein (e.g. RT-qPCR, Western Blots, ddPCR, ELISA)
Experience with routine mammalian cell culture
Analysis of protein expression and gene reporter systems with various techniques such as flow cytometry, cell luminescence, and fluorescent microscopy
Creative, innovative, and self-driven problem solver with a demonstrated ability to work effectively with highly skilled teams in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Preferred: in vivo skills with rodents (IV, IP, PO dosing), in vivo imaging, blood/tissue collection
Preferred: Immune cell isolation and transfection experience
Preferred: NGS library preparation experience
Preferred: MPRA experience
Preferred: Experience with automation (e.g., Opentrons)
Benefits
Competitive 401(k)
Highly competitive healthcare coverage (PPO/HMO)
Free parking, a monthly subway pass, or a subsidized commuter rail pass
Free Bluebike Membership
Gym Membership Support
Flexible Spending Account
Paid parental leave, family caregiver leave, and medical leave
Paid life insurance coverage
On-site cafeteria
Competitive vacation and sick days per year
Kernal is dedicated to providing a diverse work environment and is committed to equal employment opportunity for all its employees and qualified applicants. We do not discriminate in employment practices for reasons of race, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, religion, disability, or any other legally protected status. Kernal will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Kernal Biologics by 2x
Get notified about new Senior Scientist jobs in
Boston, MA .
Cambridge, MA $70,000.00-$90,000.00 3 weeks ago
Note: This refined version preserves the core content while ensuring proper HTML structure with allowed tags. If you would like further trimming of boilerplate sections or reorganization (e.g., merging sections, adjusting titles), I can adjust accordingly.
#J-18808-Ljbffr