Associate Scientist II, Analytical Development & Operations

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. 

Job Summary:

Strand is looking to build a team that understands the value of working at a start-up.  Joining Strand now places you alongside the founding executive team and world-leading advisors.  We are looking for people who have the enthusiasm and motivation to be a highly contributing member of a small team. This opportunity will offer the employee the ability to work closely with the founding team, as well as to form close partnerships with team members during the initial growth stage of Strand.

We are looking for a highly motivated and innovative candidate for the role of Associate Scientist II of Analytical Development & Operations. This individual will support in analytical development and testing as an analyst to support screening, optimization, and scale-up efforts. Reporting initially to the Principal Scientist of Analytical Development, the right candidate will be a strategic thinker that brings a leadership presence and enthusiasm for Strand along with deep scientific knowledge.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Responsible for analyzing internally and externally submitted samples with various analytical methods (cell-based assays, ELISA’s, RT-PCR, LC-MS, etc.).
• Support in the development of analytical methods or novel analytical techniques focusing on deep physical characterization of early/clinical-stage mRNA and LNP formulations.
• Use various statistical tools to analyze and independently draw conclusions about data.
• Analytically support screening, optimization, and scale-up efforts in mRNA and LNP Process Development.

Qualifications:

• B.S. or Advanced Degree with 2+ years of relevant experience required.
• Working experience in analytical development operations pertaining to biologics required.
• Prior experience with LNPs with nucleic acid payloads required.
• Experience with analytical methods such as cell-based assays, ELISA’s, RT-PCR and/or LC-MS preferred.
• Familiarity working with a Process Development team is a plus.
• Strong collaboration and inter-personal skills.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize to meet important deadlines.

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: $81,000 - $89,000 annually plus bonus and equity incentives