Senior Scientist, RNA Biology

---

Job description

Gennao Bio is a privately held genetic medicines company developing first-in-class targeted nucleic acid therapeutics utilizing a proprietary gene monoclonal antibody (GMAB) platform technology. GMAB is an adaptive technology that uses a novel, cell-penetrating antibody that non-covalently binds to and delivers therapeutic levels of a wide variety of nucleic acid payloads to select cells. This non-viral delivery platform is differentiated from traditional gene delivery systems as it can deliver multiple types of nucleic acids, allows for repeat dosing, and employs well-established manufacturing processes.

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking an experienced and creative scientist to join our interdisciplinary R&D team with the focus on the development, optimization and advancement of therapeutic nucleic acid payloads to pair with our GMAB platform technology. The selected candidate will have prior experience in the design, production and characterization of therapeutic nucleic acids and will play a leading role within the R&D group to develop new nucleic acid-based products and applications. He/she will also drive collaboration and communication between our early phase programs and the development team.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead a cross-functional team to propose, design, plan, and manage R&D projects with focus on gene and RNA therapeutics applications
• Lead the research efforts on RNA design, modifications, and protein translation for mRNA payload development
• Develop and optimize DNA and/or RNA production processes
• Perform synthesis and characterization of RNA and DNA constructs
• Collaborate within a matrix organization of bioassay scientists and pharmacologists to evaluate and test novel programs
• Work with CRO's to develop QC methods for nucleic acid payload programs
• Transfer developed technologies to the production team and provide support as needed for process improvement, scale-up or troubleshooting

QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, Microbiology, Biomedical Engineering, or related biomedical field with a minimum of 5 years' experience within the biotech/biopharmaceutical industries
• Demonstrated track record of success in RNA assay and product development
• Expert in RNA biology and RNA chemistry including structure simulation, design, modification and stability improvement
• Strong molecular biology laboratory skills. Experience in nucleic acid amplification, in vitro transcription, primer/probe/vector design, enzymatic reactions, PCR, qPCR, next-generation sequencing, molecular cloning and large-scale plasmid preparation
• Knowledgeable in nucleic acid chemistry, molecular/cellular mRNA metabolism and translation mechanism
• Proven ability to analyze multi-factorial data, provide conclusions and design next steps independently.
• Experience in process development for cGMP-compliant therapeutic nucleic acid production is preferred
• Demonstrated initiative and pursuit of successful collaborative research projects with interdisciplinary team
• Demonstration of goal-oriented, hands-on and innovative approach to problem solving

Gennao Bio is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Gennao Bio will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Employees of Gennao must be fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus and provide the Company with proof of vaccination as a condition of their employment except for U.S. employees who request and qualify under applicable law for disability and religious accommodations from the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. An applicant who receives an offer of employment from the Company for a position as a U.S. employee will be required to provide proof of vaccination, or to request and receive a disability or religious accommodation that the applicant is entitled to under applicable law, before their first day of employment or any earlier or later deadline specified by the Company in the offer letter. The Company is an equal opportunity employer and provides employment opportunities and makes employment decisions without regards to an individual's medical or religion or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.