RNA Laboratory Lead

Job Title: RNA Laboratory Lead
Location: Onsite/Pittsburgh, PA 15207
Type: 12-month contract to hire
Start date: June

Overview:
Join a rapidly growing biotech company behind Biofoundry-in-a-box-a novel, patented platform transforming how RNA therapeutics and vaccines are developed and manufactured. Our continuous-flow technology is already being deployed in regulated GMP environments and supported by a global network of strategic partners and collaborators.

As they launch their new U.S. lab operations, they are looking for hands-on scientists ready to innovate at the cutting edge of molecular biology. You'll work closely with a highly skilled science team on in vitro transcription, downstream purification (e.g., HPLC), encapsulation, and advanced analytical techniques like gel and capillary electrophoresis, nanopore sequencing, and qPCR.

If you're passionate about science with impact and ready to shape the future of RNA medicine, please apply !

Responsibilities:

• Hands-on laboratory work (60%) focused on RNA or nucleic acid synthesis, purification of nucleic acids, and analytical techniques such as HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography).
• Lead and manage laboratory operations (40%), ensuring efficiency, safety, and compliance with GLP standards.
• Manage clean room operations, ensuring strict environmental control and sterility standards where applicable.
• Ensure timely project delivery, managing lab workflows to meet the deadlines and expectations of clients and internal users of the facility.
• Communicate directly with clients to understand their technical needs, provide updates on project progress, and deliver results in a timely manner.
• Manage laboratory finances, including budgeting, purchasing of equipment and materials, and ensuring cost-effective resource allocation.
• Supervise and mentor laboratory staff, including lab technicians and junior scientists, ensuring adherence to company policies, GLP guidelines, and safety protocols.
• Manage laboratory infrastructure, including maintenance of equipment, inventory control, and compliance with safety and cleanliness standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, such as research, development, and production, to align laboratory activities with broader organizational goals.
• Stay current with advances in RNA synthesis and nucleic acid purification technologies and implement new techniques where appropriate.
• Prepare and review scientific reports, publications, and presentations, ensuring the accuracy and quality of data and compliance with scientific and GLP standards.
• Maintain compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies, including non-discrimination and workplace safety laws.

Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or a related field.
• At least two years of post-doctoral research experience in RNA synthesis, nucleic acid purification, or related fields.
• >3 years of working experience in an industry or commercial laboratory setting
• Hands-on experience in nucleic acid based molecular biology methods, analytical techniques (such as HPLC), and basic microbiology methods
• Experience with GLP standards and their application in laboratory settings.
• Experience with clean room operations and maintaining strict sterility and environmental controls.
• Proven ability to manage both the hands-on lab work and administrative tasks required to run a laboratory.
• Leadership and team management skills, with the ability to supervise and mentor lab personnel while ensuring compliance with GLP standards and company policies.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, ensuring the successful execution of both lab work and managerial tasks.

Preferred Experience and track record:

• Familiarity with automated laboratory systems and high-throughput screening techniques.
• Some track record of scientific publications in RNA synthesis, nucleic acid purification, or related areas.

#M3

#LI-MD2

Ref: #558-Scientific