Scientist / Senior Scientist, Process Sciences and Innovation

Company Overview:

Strand Therapeutics is a clinical stage biotechnology company utilizing synthetic biology to genetically program mRNA to deliver truly revolutionary immunotherapies to patients.

Building on the idea of creating smart therapies based on Boolean logic circuits, Strand was started by biological engineers working together at MIT who were seeking to apply the concept of the emerging field of mRNA therapeutics. Strand's technology is therapeutic-area and mRNA modality agnostic where therapeutic proteins are encoded onto modified, self-replicating, or circular mRNA backbones which in turn are programmed with cell-specific sensors and circuits.

Today, Strand has established three platforms with one clinical stage asset and several programs in preclinical development as well as early discovery. Our lead program, STX-001, is currently being evaluated in a phase 1 clinical trial for solid tumors. Our corporate headquarters is located in the Fenway district of Boston, Massachusetts.

Job Summary:

Strand is seeking a highly motivated and innovative Scientist or Senior Scientist to join our Process Development team and lead Process Sciences & Innovation across our mRNA and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) 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/LNP therapeutics are developed and manufactured. The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in mRNA and LNP 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 and LNP 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 and LNP development and manufacturing.
• Design and execute experimental studies that challenge existing process paradigms and generate new approaches to mRNA synthesis, purification, and LNP formulation.
• 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 and LNP unit operations.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in mRNA and LNP 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.
• Build and manage relationships with technology vendors, equipment manufacturers, CROs, academic groups, and industry collaborators to evaluate emerging capabilities and technologies.
• 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, lipid nanoparticle (LNP), or related nucleic acid therapeutic products, with demonstrated technical leadership and scientific innovation.
• Deep understanding of DNA/mRNA synthesis, purification, and characterization required, experience with LNPs also is preferred
• 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.
• Experience designing and executing experimental studies that generate actionable scientific insights and drive strategic decision making.
• 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: $120,000 - $142,000 annually plus bonus and equity incentives