Research Associate II, mRNA technologies

Repertoire Immune Medicines

Watertown, MA

Pay: $75,000-$90,000/yr

Shift: Full time

Repertoire Immune Medicines is a clinical-stage biotechnology company working to unlock and direct the remarkable power of the human immune system to prevent or treat cancer, as well as resetting the immune system to treat autoimmune disorders. The company is founded on the belief that the repertoire of T cell receptor (TCR)-antigen codes that drive health and disease represents one of the greatest opportunities for innovation in medical science. Repertoire scientists created and developed the DECODE suite of technologies, which allow in-depth characterization of TCR-antigen pairs, and the ability to rationally design and develop novel targeted immune medicines.

From its sites in Watertown, Massachusetts, and Zurich, Switzerland, Repertoire’s team of more than 80 is creating a new category of immune medicines enabled from its DECODE discovery platform. Repertoire is currently using its proprietary platform to discover novel epitopes and TCRs from patients with autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis as well as to enable development of immune oncology based therapeutics to treat solid tumors.

Repertoire was founded in 2019 by Flagship Pioneering and is supported by a strong investor base. The DECODE platform has been validated through four strategic partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies—Bristol Myers Squibb, Genentech, Eli Lilly, and Pfizer—representing over $4.5 billion in disclosed total deal value and $185 million in upfront payments received to date.

**Role Overview**

We are seeking a motivated Research Associate II to join our Integrated Therapeutic Engineering and Design (ITED) team and help advance the development of cutting edge mRNA-LNP work in autoimmunity and cancer vaccines. In this lab-based role, you will play a key part in design and production of immune-silent mRNAs that deliver disease-modifying epitopes and immunomodulators to target multiple autoimmune disorders. You will perform all techniques associated with mRNA production, including in-vitro synthesis and purification of mRNA, QC and innate immune reactivity of the associated mRNA, and downstream applications related to the expression of the mRNA gene products. The ideal candidate is proficient with advanced molecular biology techniques, such as IVT, PCR, primer design, and cDNA preparation for sequencing, and brings bench experience with cell culture work and protein analysis work including ELISAs and western blots. You will own experimental design, implementation, and data analysis, and share your results with your supervisor and the broader team in an effective and timely manner. Drive to execute, experimental rigor, and scientific curiosity are essential to success in this role. Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills will enable you to thrive within our highly collaborative, cross-functional teams.

**Key Responsibilities**

• Design and execute experiments as a key contributor to the ITED team, under the supervision of your manager and scientific project leads.
• Manage large-scale productions of high quality *in vitro* transcribed mRNA, including purification and QC assessments with documentation.
• Assess the production of various protein products from the mRNAs produced, using techniques such as ELISAs, western blots and flow cytometry.
• Cross-train with the LNP team to learn complete mRNA-LNP encapsulation techniques
• Maintain good laboratory practices, including accurate ELN documentation, instrument and reagent validation, and adherence to lab safety policies.
• Present data and analysis at cross-disciplinary team meetings and build working relationships that move projects forward.

**Qualifications/ Desired Experience**

• B.S. or M.S. in Biochemistry, Biology, Bioengineering, Immunology, or a similar field.
• 2+ years of academic or biotech/pharma laboratory experience.
• Experience with mRNA IVT and AKTA / FPLC techniques preferred
• Demonstrated understanding of complex molecular biology techniques is strongly preferred (e.g., PCR, primer design, DNA purification, RNA production and purification).
• Laboratory skills including sterile cell-culture, flow cytometry, ELISAs, western blots, strongly preferred
• Strong organizational skills, excellent attention to detail, and data analysis skills are required.
• Knowledge of innate and adaptive immunology is beneficial.
• Experience with FlowJo, SnapGene, and Prism is preferred.
• Desire and ability to quickly learn new lab techniques and understand the significance to program goals.

**Compensation and Benefits**

The base salary for this role ranges from $75,000 to $90,000 and is determined based on a candidate’s skills, experience, and internal equity. In addition to a competitive base salary, Repertoire offers a broad range of benefits designed to attract, retain, and motivate top talent, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, flexible time off, a 401(k)-retirement plan