Associate Scientist I/II, Technical Operations Automation

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 for people who have the enthusiasm and motivation to be a highly contributing member of a small but extremely productive team. This opportunity will offer the employee the ability to work in a matrix-based environment and be a part of the future strategy of the company.

We are looking for a highly motivated and innovative candidate for the role of Associate Scientist I/II, Technical Operations Automation. The expectation is that the Associate Scientist I/II will have experience with developing experiments and assays related to the LNP/mRNA manufacturing process, as well as experience working with automated lab instruments - especially liquid handler programming and method development. Reporting to Principal Associate Scientist of Technical Operations Automation, the right candidate will be an agile problem solver and strategic thinker that brings a leadership presence and enthusiasm for Strand, along with a desire to develop new skills surrounding lab automation overall. The candidate will have, and continue to develop, broad interests in overall Technical Operations processes, maintaining close communications with related teams and seeking out opportunities to apply automated methods towards increasing throughput and reliability.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Close collaboration with scientific staff on various teams (primarily analytical operations/development teams, as well as process development) to develop, automate and implement automated methods.
• Continued monitoring of the usage of automated methods, including training individual operators on performing these methods, troubleshooting and addressing any weak points
• Maintaining and repair automated systems.
• Executing studies for process improvements and advancements.
• Support screening, optimization, and scale-up efforts across Tech Ops teams.
• Independently identify key areas within analytical and process development operations for optimization, implementing high-throughput automation tools to increase efficiency and consistency.
• Continuous optimization of existing automated methods, programming of operational tools that can be applied across methods.
• Continuous learning across lab instruments – seeking out new opportunities for expanding both lab skills as well as programming and development.
• Maintenance of a broad understanding of the lab automation industry as a whole, identifying novel methods and instruments to improve processes.

Qualifications:

• B.S. or Advanced Degree with 1-2+ years of directly related experience. Degree emphasis in Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Molecular Medicine, Genetics or related field preferred.
• Understanding of base level coding logic and computer systems required.
• Experience with programming and automation preferred – especially pertaining to liquid handler instruments.
• This position requires conducting laboratory experiments, excellent documentation review and writing skills, and the flexibility to work on multiple projects as needed.
• Capacity to learn new material quickly.
• Understanding of nucleic acid chemistry, enzymatic and chemical reactions, manufacturing processes, and standard analytical techniques for DNA, RNA and LNP substances.
• Knowledge of Hamilton systems or other automated platforms preferred.
• Availability to be able to work flexible hours if required.
• Track record of completing deliverables within specified timelines.
• Independently motivated, thinks outside the box, and good problem-solving ability.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Able to multi-task in an extremely fast-paced environment with changing priorities.

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: $74,000 - $88,000 annually plus bonus and equity incentives