Scientist/Sr Scientist, mRNA Process Development

Company Overview:  
At Kernal Bio, we engineer human cells inside the body using selective mRNA-LNP technology to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases. Our AI-designed mRNAs, delivered via antibody-decorated lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), ensure precise targeting and minimize off-target effects. Our KR-402 program focuses on hematological malignancies and autoimmune disorders, achieving >90% in vivo delivery efficiency with T-cell-targeted LNPs. The KR-335 program, targeting solid tumors resistant to standard immunotherapies, shows a 100x therapeutic index with strong efficacy and tolerability in preclinical models, including mice and non-human primates.

With roots at MIT, Harvard, Merck, and BMS, our management team has spearheaded the development of three FDA-approved therapies and holds over 120 patents. Based in Cambridge, MA, and backed by Hummingbird Ventures, Amgen Ventures, and NASA, Kernal Bio is revolutionizing mRNA therapeutics by leveraging AI to deliver precision treatments within the body.

Job Summary
Kernal Bio is seeking an exceptional, highly motivated Scientist/Sr. Scientist to contribute to the development of its mRNA 2.0 platform for therapeutic applications. The successful candidate will work as lead efforts for the development, characterization, and production of mRNA therapeutics.  This successful candidate will also be responsible for preparing the mRNA process and analytical platform for GMP manufacturing.

Responsibilities:

• Synthesize and purify routine mRNA products for preclinical studies and research activities
• Develop and optimize scalable strategies for in vitro transcription (IVT reactions and downstream product purification (e.g., chromatography, tangential flow filtration, normal flow filtration)
• Perform process development studies using the design-of-experiments approach.
• Perform routine analytical and bioanalytical tasks such as HPLC, qPCR, ELISA, fragment analysis, mammalian cell culture, transfection, fluorescence, flow cytometry
• Author tech transfer documentation including process descriptions, protocols, process development batch records, bill-of-materials, etc.
• Collaborate with the R&D and LNP teams and execute experiments supporting Kernal Bio’s R&D pipeline
• Analyze, summarize, and present experimental results to team members and management
• Contribute to technical discussions & intellectual property related to the development and application of Kernal’s proprietary technologies
• Explore new technologies and methods to optimize current processes in a fast-paced research environment
• Maintain up-to-date records and communicate results to team members in written technical reports and oral presentations
• Participate in experimental design and troubleshooting efforts
• Interpret, summarize experimental data and maintain excellent laboratory notebooks

Requirements:

• B.S/M.S/Ph.D. in Chemical/Biomedical Engineering, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry or a similar field.
• B.S (or equivalent) with 4-8 years of experience, M.S (or equivalent) with 2-6 years of experience, or PhD with 0-4 years of experience with nucleic acid process development, analytical development, and/or manufacturing
• Extensive experience with execution, optimization, and QC analysis of IVT reactions
• Experience with development and/or optimization of downstream purification technologies including chromatography, tangential flow filtration, and/or normal flow filtration. Experience working with AKTA systems preferred.
• Experience using Design of Experiments (DOE) to optimize IVT reactions and/or performance of downstream purification. Experience with high-throughput, automated DOE preferred. 
• Familiar with analytical methods commonly used for mRNA analysis including HPLC, qPCR, ELISA, dsRNA (dotblot), fragment analysis, mammalian cell culture, transfection, fluorescence, flow cytometry
• Ability to analyze, summarize, and communicate scientific data
• Excellent and timely record-keeping and data management skills.
• Experience with electronic notebooks and JMP.
• Experience working in fast-paced startup environments
• Requires high level of collaboration with other departments to manage mRNA production processes and workflows.
• Adaptability and enthusiasm for new challenges, innate curiosity, and a passion for learning
• Experience with LNP development and production preferred

Benefits:

• Highly competitive healthcare coverage (health, vision, and dental)
• Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account
• Paid parental leave, family caregiver leaves, medical leave
• Competitive 401k
• Paid life insurance coverage
• Generous vacation and sick days
• On-site subsidized cafeteria
• Free monthly subway passes or a subsidized commuter rail pass
• Free MIT Athletic Membership
• Free Bluebikes Membership

Kernal is dedicated to providing a diverse work environment and is committed to equal employment opportunities for all its employees and qualified applicants. We do not discriminate in employment practices for reasons of race, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, religion, disability, or any other legally protected status. Kernal will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with known disabilities in accordance with applicable law.