Associate Scientist / Scientist I, mRNA Process Development

Company Summary:

Tessera Therapeutics is pioneering Gene Writing™— a new biotechnology designed to offer scientists and clinicians the ability to write small and large therapeutic messages into the genome, thereby curing diseases at their source. Gene Writing holds the potential to become a new category in genetic medicine, building upon recent breakthroughs in gene therapy and gene editing while eliminating important limitations in their reach, utilization, and efficacy. Tessera Therapeutics was founded by Flagship Pioneering, a life sciences innovation enterprise that conceives, resources, and develops first-in-category companies to transform human health and sustainability.

Position Summary:

Tessera Therapeutics is seeking a motivated and creative Associate Scientist / Scientist I to join the innovation focused mRNA Upstream Process Development team. This will include, but not limited to, mRNA production process development, novel technology innovation, development and application, process scale up. This individual will join an agile, dynamic, highly collaborative team that is driving the mRNA process innovation and development for a novel platform of Gene Writing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Propose, develop, and validate novel enzymatic methods to manufacture non-standard mRNA to support Tessera’s Gene Writing technology.
• Develop, execute and qualify novel, cost effective in vitro transcription processes that are robust and scalable using DoE principles.
• Keep timely, high quality, detailed records and documentation in electronic lab notebooks.
• Write protocols and technical reports to support drug substance  development.
• Support mRNA manufacturing for pre-clinical use as needed.
• Collaborate effectively with platform, process development and analytical teams focusing on multiple projects in parallel.
• Mentor junior research associates to ensure timely completion of assignments with full data integrity.

Basic Qualifications:

• For Scientist I, Ph.D. in Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or relevant scientific field with 0+ years of experience; M.S. with 6+ years of experience or , B.S./B.A with 8+ years of experience. For Associate Scientist, B.S./B.A. in Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or relevant scientific field with at least 6+ years of industry or relevant academic experience or M.S. with 4+ years of relevant experience.
• Hands on experience with in vitro transcription and mRNA purification technologies is required.
• Experience with experimental design and development of mRNA synthesis methods is required.
• Experience with DNA template design, sequencing data analysis and alignment using bioinformatics tools is preferred.
• Hands on experience with nucleic acids, enzyme kinetics, PCR, plasmid processing, enzyme purification and standard analytical techniques for macromolecules is required.
• Track record of completing deliverables within specified timelines, and ability to propose more efficient workflows to complete parallel collaborative projects on time.
• Eager to work with highly skilled and dynamic teams in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and technical setting.
• The successful candidate should be collaborative, communicative, and passionate about working with mRNA process development leading to the drug substances of next generation of genetic medicines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with IVT enzymes and understanding of enzyme kinetics, protein chemistry is strongly preferred.
• Prior experience with optimization of enzymatic processes and use of DoE principles is preferred.
• Ability to relate, communicate and brainstorm mRNA manufacturability process needs and results with broader cross-disciplinary initiatives is preferred.
• Experience with HTP equipment such as Tecan, Hamilton and King Fisher is highly preferred.
• Experience with process scale up using bioreactors and latest nucleic acid purification technologies is a plus.
• Proven capability of evaluating/developing new technologies in an independent manner and keen desire to propose/design implementation strategies if deemed appropriate (e.g., method comparability approaches).
• Previous experience in biotech or pharmaceutical industry is highly desired.
• Experience with managing and mentoring of junior scientific staff members.

 

Flagship Pioneering has conceived of and created companies such as Moderna Therapeutics (NASDAQ: MRNA), Editas Medicine (NASDAQ: EDIT), Omega Therapeutics (NASDAQ: OMGA), Seres Therapeutics (NASDAQ: MCRB), and Indigo Agriculture. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has applied its unique hypothesis-driven innovation process to originate an