Research Associate / Senior Research Associate Contractor, Cellular and Molecular Biology

Company Summary:

Laronde is pioneering a platform that offers a completely novel way of modulating human biology via Endless RNA™ (eRNA). eRNA is a uniquely engineered RNA that can be programmed to express diverse proteins inside the body. Laronde is rapidly scaling to support the development of multiple programs across many disease areas. ​

Laronde was founded in 2017 by Flagship Labs, the innovation foundry of Flagship Pioneering. Laronde has a highly collaborative, dedicated culture, driven to achieve our vision of “making eRNA an essential class of medicines to everyone, everywhere”. To learn more, please visit the company’s website at https://www.laronde.bio.

Position Summary:

Laronde is seeking an outstanding Research Associate or Senior Research Associate Contractor, RNA Molecular Biology to join a multidisciplinary team of experimental biologists and engineers responsible for the study, design, and optimization of novel endless RNA (eRNA) therapeutics. The ideal candidate will lead experimental efforts to generate and characterize stability and expression of eRNA in living cells. If you are a passionate and purposeful scientist keen on testing your hypotheses and learning from some of the best molecular and synthetic biologists and engineers, then we are looking for you.

This position is located at 101 South St Somerville MA 02143.  

Laronde's 3rd party agency will be hiring for this position. Employees under this position with be working at Laronde as a contractor with the possibility to convert to a full-time Laronde employee based on performance and other criteria in the future. 

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, clone, and sequence verify DNA constructs to produce eRNAs.
• Work with automated liquid handlers for mid-throughput eRNA synthesize and purification.
• Culture, maintain, and store mammalian cell lines and primary cells.
• Perform eRNA delivery to cultured mammalian cells through RNA transfection and electroporation.
• Analyze eRNA expression and intracellular stability using plate-based molecular biology techniques including PCR, reverse transcription, fluorescent-based assays, or flowcytometry.
• Establish and follow written procedures and complete accurate documentation of process data in an electronic lab notebook and communicate results to collaborators.
• Work closely with an interdisciplinary team of experimental molecular and cellular biologists to design experiments, analyze data, interpret, and present results at various meetings.

• Practice safe work habits and adhere to Laronde’s safety procedures and guidelines.
• Utilize knowledge to improve operational efficiency and identify process bottleneck(s).
• Work closely with a cross functional team for process / equipment optimization.
• Maintain a clean general operating area.
• Keep manager informed on status of all projects and of significant findings and results.

 

Qualifications:

• B.S. (2+ years) or M.S. (0+ years) in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or Biology.
• Demonstrated general knowledge of standard lab practices.
• Demonstrated ability to perform molecular cloning, bacterial transformation, Sanger sequencing, and data analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to culture and manipulate mammalian cell lines and primary cells using standard approaches including, but not limited to, transfection and electroporation.
• Strong molecular biology skills, including RNA extraction, qRT-PCR, gel electrophoresis, and ELISA.
• Demonstrated ability in working with highly collaborative teams in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and technical environment.

• Experience with in vitro transcription (IVT) and RNA purification methods is preferred.
• Experience with high throughput arrayed screening approaches is a strong plus.

 

Laronde is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Laronde does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to Laronde or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Laronde’s internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of Laronde, and Laronde will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto