Senior Research Associate, High-Throughput RNA Production at Sail Biomedicines (Cambridge, MA)
Sail Biomedicines · Cambridge, MA·
Job description
About Sail
Sail Biomedicines is pioneering the integrative design and deployment of fully programmable medicines to transform patient care. Sail’s platform combines first-in-class programmable circular RNA technology (Endless RNA™ or eRNA), and an industry-leading platform of programmable nanoparticles, utilizing natural components, to unlock comprehensive programming of medicines for the first time. By leveraging cutting-edge eRNA and nanoparticle deployment technology, Sail is also making unparalleled use of AI techniques to identify and design fully programmable medicines that are potent, targeted, versatile, and tunable. Sail was founded by Flagship Pioneering.
The Role
The Senior Research Associate, high-throughput (HTP) RNA production, serves an important role in generating RNAs to advance Sail’s first-in-class programmable circular RNA technology (Endless RNA™ or eRNA). This role will carry out end-to-end process of high-throughput RNA production, from template plasmid cloning to RNA generation and clean up. The successful candidate is organized, attentive to details, a fast learner with a strong sense of responsibility who takes pride in his/her work. The team looks forward to helping you strive in this exciting and fast-paced environment to make a real-world impact on patients’ lives.
Responsibilities
- Perform high-throughput cloning of plasmid constructs and RNA generation through in vitro transcription (IVT)
- Determine circularization efficiency and impurity levels by running analytic assays
- Coordinate DNA synthesis and scale-up orders with external vendors
- Manage raw material and RNA inventories
- Collaborate with automation engineer to improve process workflow
- Maintain detailed documentation in electronic lab notebooks
- Present findings clearly to platform teams and contribute to scientific discussions and decision-making
Qualifications
- B.S. in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field with 2+ years of relevant full-time industry or academic research experience, or M.S. in Life Sciences
- Ability to manage multiple tasks at once efficiently
- Strong collaborative spirit and communication skills
- Excellent record keeping
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in molecular biology including cloning, RNA production and purification
- Familiarity with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or other column-based purification/analytic methods
- Experience with automated liquid handling systems (e.g., Hamilton) and high-throughput laboratory workflows
- Experience using data analysis and information management tools, such as Excel, Graphic Prism, SnapGene, Benchling
- Experience in inventory management
Salary Range: $75,000 - $95,000
Sail Biomedicines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Sail does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.
Why work at Sail Biomedicines
- Culture: "We work at the frontier of programmable medicines. We operate with purpose and urgency on behalf of people everywhere." The company emphasizes a culture of excellence, shared dedication, and groundbreaking science.
- Remote/Hybrid Policy: Roles are listed in Cambridge, MA, suggesting an on-site or hybrid model at the headquarters (140 First Street, Cambridge, MA 02141).
- Notable Perks (from careers page):
- Generous salary and employee stock option plan
- Competitive health, dental, and vision benefits
- Retirement savings program
- Paid parental, adoption, and caregiver leave
- Long- and short-term disability and life insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Free parking, monthly subway pass, or subsidized commuter rail pass
- Free lunch every week and a kitchen stocked with healthy snacks
- Engineering/Science Culture: The company is building a "bioplatform" that integrates AI, data science, and high-throughput experimentation. This is an ideal environment for scientists and engineers who want to work at the intersection of computational biology, machine learning, and RNA therapeutics. The team includes leaders in AI and digital sciences, pharmacology, and nanoparticle delivery.