Associate Scientist II, MSAT

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 II of MSAT. The expectation is that the Associate Scientist II will have experience prior supporting preclinical and clinical-stage manufacturing processes within the gene and/or cell therapies space. Reporting to the Senior Scientist of MSAT, the right candidate will be a strategic thinker that brings a leadership presence and enthusiasm for Strand along with a desire to conquer new challenges.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Support the execution, continuous improvement, and maturation of Strand’s preclinical and clinical-stage manufacturing processes.
• Perform lab-scale RNA and lipid nanoparticle production and analytical testing to evaluate process improvements, troubleshoot technology transfer and manufacturing challenges, improve process robustness, and support process scale-up.
• Author technical protocols and reports documenting experimental procedures, results, and conclusions.
• Collaborate with Process Development, Analytical Development, Automation, and Quality teams to advance Strand’s manufacturing programs.
• Partner with external technical counterparts to support ongoing tech transfer and manufacturing activities.

Qualifications:

• B.S. or Advanced Degree in Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering or related field, with 2+ years of working experience in RNA and/or LNP process improvement, manufacturing and/or optimization at a biotech.
• Experience collecting, analyzing, and interpreting experimental data to evaluate process performance and support technical conclusions.
• Experience with process development, scale-up, technology transfer, manufacturing support, and process troubleshooting. Experience contributing to process characterization or later-stage development activities is a plus.
• Experience optimizing and troubleshooting enzymatic reactions, chromatographic purification, TFF, and other filtration methods for biologics.
• Familiarity with ÄKTA systems and UNICORN control software is preferred.
• Hands-on experience with RNA and/or LNP production processes and respective standard analytical methods (UV-Vis Spectroscopy, Gel Electrophoresis, ELISA, DLS, RiboGreen, etc.) strongly preferred.
• Strong technical documentation and communication skills. Ability to generate and maintain clear and detailed laboratory records, and present experimental designs, data interpretation, and conclusions to cross-functional groups.

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