Scientist

Responsibilities :

• Design and perform plate-based and cell-based assays (multi-color flow cytometry, Western blot, ELISA, etc.) to assess mRNA delivery and protein expression in mammalian cells using LNP systems.
• Design and perform high-throughput expression and functional screen/characterization assays for novel protein/mRNA candidates, using semi-automated instruments.
• Maintain meticulous records in an electronic lab notebook (ELN), draft standard operating procedures (SOPs), and present results at team meetings.
• Independently plan, execute, and interpret experiments, delivering data-driven insights aligned with project timelines and goals.
• Conduct molecular biology tasks, including cloning (e.g., PCR, golden gate, Gibson reactions, etc.), and optimize mRNA IVT protocols for yield and quality.
• Design, produce, and optimize lentiviral vectors, perform transduction experiments, and analyze results to advance research objectives.
• Stay current with advancements in genetic medicine, LNP technology, and molecular biology techniques to inform experimental design.
• Collaborate with antibody discovery/production teams to support pipeline projects and facilitate technology hand-offs.

Qualifications :

• Master's degree in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biological Sciences, or a related field with 1-3 years of industry experience; OR
• Bachelor's degree in a related field with 3+ years of industry experience.
• Expertise in mammalian cell culture (suspension and adherent cell lines, primary T cells) and multi-color flow cytometry (panel design, acquisition, and analysis using FlowJo) is required
• Hands-on experience with immunological assays (e.g., ELISA, Luminex, cytotoxicity) is highly desirable.
• Experience with semi-automated liquid handling systems (e.g., Integra VIAFLO) for high-throughput workflows is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with data analysis tools (e.g., GraphPad Prism, FlowJo) is required; working knowledge with statistical and bioinformatics tools (python, R, etc.) is a plus.
• Basic understanding of immunology, cancer biology, or cell therapy applications is preferred
• Prior experience in genetic medicine, CAR-T cell therapy, or RNA therapeutics is a strong plus.
• Basic knowledge of nucleic acid characterization (e.g., gel electrophoresis, qPCR), familiarity with molecular biology techniques, including cloning (e.g., Gibson assembly, PCR) and mRNA IVT (e.g., capping, purification), is a strong plus.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with a proven ability to juggle multiple projects.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot assays and optimize protocols independently.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for presenting data and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Willingness to take responsibilities outside of original job description.

California Fair Chance Act:

Synectics Inc. will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Synectics Inc. is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act/.

Benefits:

Healthcare Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees and their dependents healthcare coverage through BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics. Premiums are subsidized by Synectics.

Dental Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees and their dependents a dental plan through MetLife. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics.

Vision Insurance : Synectics offers eligible employees vision insurance through VSP. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics.401(k) Plan: The Synectics Inc. Investment Savings Retirement Plan. Synectics offers all employees who are 21 years of age or older the opportunity to invest in the 401(k) Plan on the first enrollment date that is at least 30 days after employment begins. Enrollment dates are each January 1st, April 1st, July 1st, and October 1st.

Technical Certification Bonus: Synectics is pleased to award its employees a bonus of up to $500 for an approved professional certification. In determining the bonus amount, Synectics will consider the cost of the test(s) for any certification relating to your current position, achieved during your employment with us. Only one Certification Bonus per calendar year may be awarded per employee. Only current, active employees will be eligible to receive this bonus. It will be awarded 90 days after the Synectics office has received documentation confirming the successful completion of the certification.

Synectics is an equal opportunity employer.