Senior Research Associate, Medicinal Chemistry

About Alltrna

Flagship Pioneering has conceived of and created companies such as Moderna Therapeutics (NASDAQ: MRNA), Editas Medicine (NASDAQ: EDIT), Omega Therapeutics (NASDAQ: OMGA), Seres Therapeutics (NASDAQ: MCRB), and Indigo Agriculture. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has applied its unique hypothesis-driven innovation process to originate and foster more than 100 scientific ventures. In 2021, Flagship Pioneering was ranked 12th globally on Fortune’s “Change the World” list, an annual ranking of companies that have made a positive social and environmental impact through activities that are part of their core business strategies.

Alltrna is the world’s first tRNA platform company to decipher tRNA biology and pioneer tRNA therapeutics to treat thousands of diseases. Alltrna unlocks tRNA biology to correct disease. The company's platform incorporates AI/ML tools to learn the tRNA language and deliver diverse programmable molecules with broad therapeutic potential. Alltrna has an unprecedented opportunity to advance a single tRNA medicine to unify treatment across a wide range of diseases with the same underlying genetic mutation. Alltrna was founded in 2018 by Flagship Pioneering. For more info, visit www.alltrna.com.

 

About the Role

We are looking for a passionate, creative scientist to join and our growing medicinal chemistry team focused on the advancement of our tRNA therapeutic platforms. This effort is driving forward a deeper mechanistic understanding of synthetic tRNA molecules. The successful candidate will join our highly innovative RNA/oligonucleotide synthesis team and have a strong background in oligonucleotide chemistry through hands-on experience in the synthesis, downstream process, characterization and purification of oligonucleotides. This individual would be part of the team that writes the textbook for developing tRNA molecules for therapeutics and be critical not only in ensuring that we can understand how our tRNA molecules are synthesized using automated systems but also in defining how we support our drug discovery and development efforts. We operate in an open and inclusive learning environment and need nimble thinkers who can chart courses and plan experiments based upon the data that we generate together.

 

Core Responsibilities 

• Perform automated solid-phase synthesis, downstream processing, purification, and characterization of oligonucleotides, utilizing state-of-the-art platforms. Support and enhance current RNA synthesis capabilities by integrating innovative chemistries.
• Operate specialized oligonucleotide synthesizers (e.g., Dr. Oligo, Mermade and AKTA ) with guidance to produce high-quality oligonucleotides.
• Utilize high-throughput methods for the deprotection and purification of chemically modified oligonucleotides.
• Collaborate closely with program and platform teams to manage oligonucleotide synthesis and purification projects, contributing to the discovery and development of novel engineered tRNA therapeutics.
• Develop and implement new and existing chemistries and purification methods to advance our oligonucleotide therapeutics platform.
• Work as a key contributor on cross-functional teams, including DMPK, biology, pharmacology, and R&D informatics. Partner with CMC teams to scale up and transition novel modalities and processes into development.

This role requires a proactive, collaborative individual with strong technical expertise and the ability to drive innovation in a fast-paced research environment.

 

Qualifications and Skills

      The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and skills:

• BS degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related discipline with 3+ years (MS with 1+ year) relevant industry experience in an industrial or academic setting.
• Strong experience in oligonucleotide purification techniques is essential. Experience with automated oligonucleotide synthesis is highly preferred.
• Proficiency in laboratory skills and hands-on experience with analytical instrumentation such as HPLC, LC-MS, and UV-Vis spectrometry is required. Experience in developing chromatographic methods (IEX and IP-RP HPLC) is a plus.

• Demonstrated ability in strategic thinking, project management, and excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• A working knowledge of oligonucleotide chemistries, RNA biology, oligonucleotide screening technologies, and in vivo applications is advantageous for effective team collaboration.

This role requires a detail-oriented, innovative individual with strong technical acumen and the ability to contribute effectively to a team-oriented research environment.

 

What We’ll Offer You

• Comprehensive, competitive healthcare and dental coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield, vision coverage through VSP, family leave, paid time off, 401k retirement plan, disability and life insurance, and fully covered parking/commuter benefits.
• A dynamic early-stage work environment and highly interdisciplinary, talented, and collaborative team.
• Participation in an unprecedented opportunity to advance a single tRNA medicine to restore disrupted protein production, regardless of target, for thousands of diseases with the same underlying genetic mutation.
• Professional growth opportunities through mentoring, training, immersion in cross-functional projects, and opportunities to learn and try new things.

Our Core Values

1. PATIENTS DESERVE BETTER. We are transforming medicine, boldly building a new future for patients.
2. CURIOSITY SPARKS DISCOVERY. We ardently explore the unknown, catalyzing new scientific breakthroughs.
3. COURAGE PROPELS US FORWARD. We take thoughtful risks without fear of failure, growing with each experience.
4. OUR PURPOSE FUELS US. We each lead and work with focus and passion to design groundbreaking tRNA medicines.
5. WE ARE ONE TEAM. We are united on trust and collaboration, embracing all voices and experiences.

 Flagship Pioneering and our ecosystem companies are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

 Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Flagship Pioneering and its affiliated Flagship Lab companies (collectively, “FSP”) do not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to FSP or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Flagship Pioneering’s internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of FSP, and FSP will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto