Scientist, RNA Biology

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Job Description

Kite is seeking a highly motivated Scientist to establish and advance robust capabilities for the design, production, purification, and quality control of research-grade RNA payloads used in lipid nanoparticle (LNP) discovery and development. This scientist will serve as a technical lead for RNA manufacturing and analytics, ensuring that high-quality RNA is available for formulation, encapsulation, and biological evaluation across targeted and non-targeted LNP programs.

This is a hands-on laboratory role for a scientist who can independently develop and execute RNA workflows, troubleshoot complex technical issues, interpret multidimensional quality data, and translate findings into clear decisions. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in mRNA production and characterization, including RNA sequence design, nucleotide chemistry, purification, analytical methods, and fit-for-purpose release criteria. Experience with LNPs or other nucleic acid delivery systems is strongly preferred.

Job Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end research-scale RNA production, including DNA template preparation, in vitro transcription, capping, polyadenylation or encoded poly(A) strategies, purification, concentration, buffer exchange, sterile handling, and storage.
• Develop, optimize, and standardize workflows for linear mRNA, while expanding capabilities for circular RNA, self-amplifying RNA, and other emerging RNA formats as program needs evolve.
• Design and evaluate RNA sequence and chemistry variables, including untranslated regions, coding-sequence optimization, poly(A) architecture, cap structures, and modified nucleotides, to improve expression, stability, and tolerability.
• Establish fit-for-purpose RNA quality-control methods and acceptance criteria for identity, concentration, purity, integrity, size distribution, capping efficiency, poly(A) characteristics, residual DNA, double-stranded RNA, endotoxin, bioburden where appropriate, and functional activity.
• Operate, maintain, qualify, and troubleshoot research instruments used for RNA production and analysis, including liquid-handling systems, chromatography and tangential-flow filtration platforms, capillary electrophoresis, high-performance liquid chromatography, spectrophotometry, fluorometric assays, and quantitative or digital PCR systems.
• Partner closely with LNP formulation scientists to define RNA input specifications, assess compatibility with formulation processes, support RNA encapsulation, and determine how payload quality affects encapsulation efficiency, particle attributes, expression, and biological activity.
• Develop data packages and documentation that enable comparability across RNA lots, constructs, production methods, and LNP formulations.
• Lead investigations of failed or variable RNA and LNP experiments, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions and process improvements.
• Independently generate hypotheses, design experiments, analyze results, and recommend clear next steps for platform and program teams.
• Collaborate with molecular biologists, cell biologists, formulation scientists, analytical scientists, automation experts, and in vivo teams to advance RNA-LNP programs for cancer therapies.
• Maintain rigorous electronic records, methods, reagent inventories, instrument logs, and safe laboratory practices; contribute to scalable and transferable workflows.
• Mentor junior scientists and serve as a technical resource for RNA design, manufacturing, analytics, and troubleshooting.

Basic Qualifications

Doctorate in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Bioengineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, RNA Biology, or a related field

OR

Master's degree in a relevant scientific discipline with 4+ years of relevant experience

OR

Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific discipline with 6+ years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctorate in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Bioengineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, RNA Biology, or a related field, with 3+ years of relevant industry and/or postdoctoral experience

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