Scientist, Antibody Development & Production

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 seeks a highly motivated scientist for antibody development and production.  The successful candidate will partner with external collaborators (e.g., CROs, CDMOs) to lead the design, development, and production of novel antibodies for targeted LNP applications.  This successful candidate will also be responsible for establishing internal antibody production and analytical capabilities to support preclinical research as well as external development activities.   

Responsibilities: 

• Lead antibody development and production activities at external collaborators (e.g., CROs, CDMOs) for preclinical research activities as well as GMP production.  Responsible for reviewing and approving critical documentation (e.g., protocols, process development batch records, analytical methods, specifications, etc)
• Establish internal capabilities for the development, production, and analysis of antibody supplies to accelerate and troubleshoot external development activities and provide materials for preclinical research.   
• Review, supervise, and/or execute experiments to optimize cell culture, harvest, and downstream purification.   
• Author tech transfer documentation (e.g., process descriptions, bill of materials, draft specifications, analytical methods) based on both external collaborator activities and internal development activities.   
• Maintain thorough and detailed electronic laboratory notebooks
• Analyze, interpret, and summarize experimental data
• Communicate results to team and management in technical reports and oral presentations 

Requirements: 

• Degree in Chemical/Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry or a similar field.  
• B.S (or equivalent) with 4-6 years of experience, M.S (or equivalent) with 2-4 years of experience, or PhD with 0-2 years of experience.   
• Experience with the development and/or production of recombinant proteins, monoclonal antibodies, and/or antibody fragments.  Experience with difficult to produce proteins/protein fragments (e.g., low titer or low solubility) preferred.   
• Experience of mammalian cell culture and transfection.  Experience with harvest and purification technologies (e.g., normal flow filtration, tangential flow filtration, chromatography, virus filtration).
• Experience using Design of Experiments (DOE) to optimize cell culture yields/titers and/or performance of downstream purification.
• Familiar with analytical methods commonly used for antibody assays (e.g., SEC, WB, ELISA, SDS-PAGE, etc)
• Strong molecular biology skills
• Experience with plasmid vector design and codon engineering (nice to have).  
• Ability to analyze, summarize, and communicate scientific data
• Attention to detail, ability to multi-task, and troubleshoot
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent record-keeping and data management skills
• Experience working in fast-paced startup environments
• Ability to work independently while effectively interacting and collaborating in a team environment
• Adaptability and enthusiasm for new challenges, innate curiosity, and a passion for learning 

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 make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities in accordance with applicable law. 

Click Here to Apply: https://www.kernalbio.com/careers