Research Associate I/II, RNA Production (Contractor)

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 Research Associate I/II for our high-throughput RNA production process. You will support process development for in-vitro transcription, modification, and purification of RNAs to support Tessera's pre-clinical efforts. We seek researchers that are proactive, enthusiastic, and show a passion for process development. The successful candidate should have strong communication and collaboration skills. Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational and documentation skills are highly desirable.

Responsibilities:

• Execute the production of mRNA using high throughput automation approaches for ug to mg scale (< 5mg) using enzyme catalyzed reactions such as restriction digestion, in vitro transcription (IVT) and mRNA purification.
• Run automation tools including liquid handlers (Hamilton, Kingfisher, TECAN) for automated high throughput miniature reactions and purification.
• Analyze mRNA quality by nanodrop, tape station, fragment analyzer, etc.
• Identify and optimize ways to improve throughput and yield of enzymatic mRNA production.
• Maintain thorough electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) and documentation records on Benchling.
• Deliver reproducible results under ambitious timelines.
• Adhere to all laboratory safety requirements and procedures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams.

 

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree with 0-4 years of experience, or Master's degree with 0-2 years of experience. Background should be in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or related discipline.
• Understanding of in vitro transcription (IVT) and handling mRNA at bench and large scale

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience using analytical technologies including nanodrop, Tape station, Lunatic, capillary electrophoresis, or a desire to learn. 
• Experience with handling of automated systems like Hamilton, Kingfisher, TECAN etc.
• Experience with magnetic beads and mRNA purification.
• Experience with Design of Experiment (DOE) statistical tools for process improvement.

 

More About Flagship Pioneering

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 and foster more than 100 scientific ventures. In 2021, Flagship Pioneering was ranked 12th globally on Fortune’s “Change the World” list, an annual ranking of companies that have made a positive social and environmental impact through activities that are part of their core business strategies.

Flagship Pioneering and our ecosystem companies are 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:  Flagship Pioneering and its affiliated Flagship Lab companies (collectively, “FSP”) do not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates.  The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to FSP or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Flagship Pioneering’s internal Talent Acquisition team.   Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of FSP, and FSP will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.