Scientist – RNA Technology

Verve Therapeutics • Fulltime • Boston, MA, USA, United States • 3m ago

The Company

Verve is a clinical-stage genetic medicines company established with a mission to solve the global health epidemic of cardiovascular disease. Founded by world-leading experts in cardiovascular medicine, human genetics and gene-editing, Verve is pioneering a new approach to the care of cardiovascular disease, potentially transforming treatment from chronic management to single-course gene editing medicines. The company’s initial three programs – VERVE-101, VERVE-102, and VERVE-201 – target genes that have been extensively validated as targets for lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), a root cause of cardiovascular disease. VERVE-101 and VERVE-102 are designed to permanently turn off the PCSK9 gene in the liver and are being developed initially for heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) and ultimately to treat atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) patients not at goal on oral therapy. VERVE-201 is designed to permanently turn off the ANGPTL3 gene in the liver and is initially being developed for homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) and ultimately to treat patients with refractory hypercholesterolemia. In 2023, Verve was named a Top Place to Work by The Boston Globe for the third consecutive year. Verve is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.

The Position

We are seeking a Scientist, RNA Technology to join a team focused on design and optimization of RNA for Verve’s novel CRISPR gene editing therapies. The ideal candidate will have experience with nucleic acid technology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and chemical modification of oligonucleotides. Candidates will also have a desire to apply creative problem-solving skills to improve the potency, stability, and safety of RNA constructs with emphasis on implementing product improvements that are suitable for clinical development. You will mentor junior members of the team in planning and conducting experiments. In this highly cross-functional role, you will perform a wide range of lab experiments as well as coordinate evaluation activities across different functional areas throughout Verve R&D and Technical Operations

Job Responsibilities

Apply creative thinking and well-designed experimentation to establish a science-based understanding of RNA technology and design.
Participate in and lead specific areas of design and production of new gene editing RNA constructs to improve efficacy, safety, and stability.
Coordinate with cross-functional process development, analytical development, gene editing, and preclinical teams to perform matrixed evaluations of RNA constructs.
Use tissue culture to evaluate the efficacy of novel RNA designs and process improvements.
Select and coordinate contract research organizations to perform external projects as needed.
Mentor more junior members of the team in designing and conducting experiments.
Act as a subject matter expert and reference point in RNA design, both within the team and in cross-functional discussions. Maintain a current understanding of the relevant primary literature.
Collect, organize, and analyze data, interpret results, write protocols, and summarize work in presentations and technical reports.

Qualifications

Ph.D. in biochemistry, biophysics, biological sciences, chemistry, or biomedical/chemical engineering OR
M.S. in biochemistry, biophysics, biological sciences, chemistry, or biomedical/chemical engineering with 4-7 years of drug development experience
Knowledge of RNA synthesis, biochemistry, and biophysics is preferred.
Proficient in conducting laboratory research and experienced with techniques such as molecular cloning, cellular transfection, enzymatic assays, HPLC, FPLC, RNA synthesis, purification, capillary electrophoresis, spectroscopy, ELISA, and western blot.
Proven ability to plan and execute experiments and analyze data independently.
Attention to detail, critical analysis of data and troubleshooting abilities.
Good writing and communication skills; ability to understand and communicate scientific information.

Don’t check off every box in the requirements listed above? Please consider applying anyway. We want the best candidates for the job, and those candidates don’t always meet 100% of the qualifications listed. At Verve, we are dedicated to building diverse and inclusive teams who embody the values we share: grit, spirit, drive, and passion. We look forward to learning more about your unique background.

EEO Statement

Verve Therapeutics is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We 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. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.

Recruitment & Staffing Agencies

Verve Therapeutics does not accept agency resumes unless contacted directly by internal Verve Talent Acquisition. Please do not forward resumes to Verve employees or any other company location; Verve Therapeutics is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

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