We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented scientist / senior scientist with expertise in biochemistry, molecular & cell biology to support our research and development efforts. This person will play essential roles designing, executing and/or interpreting in vitro and/or in vivo studies and contributing to cross-functional teams to advance innovative therapeutic solutions. This scientist / senior scientist will tackle challenging problems in RNA biology to advance therapies from discovery to the clinic. The ideal candidate is proactive, highly organized, and capable of mentoring junior team members.
Key Responsibilities • Play a lead and hands-on role in designing, troubleshooting, executing, and interpreting biochemistry, molecular & cell biology assays to identify and confirm the activity of therapeutic product candidates. This can include studies using in vitro cell lines, primary (or iPSC-derived) cell models, or rodent models. When appropriate, identify and work with external CROs for study execution, and ensure progression towards program goal. • Analyze and interpret scientific data to conduct hypothesis-driven research and decision-making. This includes formulating/adjusting the hypothesis based on new observations and developing steps to rapidly achieve goals. • In cross-functional program teams, serve as subject matter expert (SME) and proactively contribute knowledge and expertise to program advancement. • Generate and maintain detailed study reports and presentations on experimental findings while carefully maintaining an electronic lab notebook. When needed, synthesize findings and present to leadership team or external parties. • Write detailed SOPs for experimental workflows and provide training and mentorship to junior level members in the science team. • When necessary, assist in maintaining lab organization and ensuring compliance with company safety and quality standards.
Qualifications
Education: Ph.D. ideally with at least two years of post-doctoral experience in one of the following areas of research: Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Neurobiology, or a related field. Industry experience preferred.
Skills: • Proficient in biochemistry and molecular/cell biology techniques, such as western blotting, immunoprecipitation, ELISA/MSD-ELISA, QPCR, DNA/RNA/protein extraction and analysis (from in vitro or in vivo samples) • Experience with cell culture, RNA interference, gene regulation • Strong data analysis skills and proficiency with software such as GraphPad Prism or similar • Thrive in an early-stage company with a can-do attitude, and be comfortable with tight timelines and necessary changes in goals
Nice-to-have skills: • Experience in small RNA research, oligonucleotide therapeutics, and/or neurological diseases (especially neurodegeneration) • Experience with in vivo mouse studies using transgenic models • Experience with working in a cross-functional team advancing a therapeutic program towards the clinic as individual contributor or as a team lead
Soft Skills: • Excellent communication skills (both written and oral) with ability to present ideas, information, and data effectively • Excellent work ethic, flexibility, and collaborative mindset
This is a position where onsite presence is required for key job responsibilities. We offer flexibility of work location when job responsibility does not require onsite presence.
You must be legally authorized to work in the U.S and be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including all eligible booster(s), with the exception of a medical or religious exemption.
What You'll Get as Part of Our Team • An opportunity to be an early employee at a fast-moving biotech start-up backed by leading venture capital firms • Help build a biotech company in an environment where everyone has a voice • A chance to directly collaborate with genetic medicine experts to bring a new RNA treatment modality to patients • Comprehensive Benefits: medical/dental/vision, 401k, fertility/PFL, mental health counseling, unlimited paid time off, generous holiday schedule, and equity
Who We Are
Iris Medicine is advancing a new category of genetic medicine called small binding RNA (sbRNA). The sbRNA technology has the potential to unlock new treatment paradigms for both rare and prevalent diseases, and we are looking for people to join us on this mission. Iris is backed by leading life sciences investors, including Venrock and Altitude, and is based in state-of-the-art facilities in Berkeley, CA. Our team is highly collaborative and truth-seeking: we believe in short cycle times to data, and we value a company culture where everyone has a voice.
We value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to an individual's race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.
We do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies or other third parties and will not pay fees associated with such resumes. Agencies, please do not send resumes to any of our locations, employees or email addresses.