Job Details
Come join one of our portfolio companies - RNAConnect!
About RNAConnect
RNA is the central biomolecule of life, as it connects the sequence of DNA to the production of proteins and serves as a structural building block for critical components within the cell. Despite the importance of detecting, quantifying and sequencing RNAs to exploit their roles in biology and medicine, the field of RNA research remains limited by the tools available for monitoring and manipulating RNA.
Reverse transcriptase (RT) is the most foundational tool enzyme for converting RNA into cDNA, enabling sensitive RNA detection andsequencing. However, existing, commercially available RTs have significant limitations.
This limitations have now been addressed with the discovery of a powerful new ultraprocessive RT, UltraMarathonRT (uMRT). Discovered by the Pyle Lab at Yale University, uMRT is an exceptionally processive RT that copies kilobase-length RNAs in a single pass without inhibition by secondary structures or repeats within an RNA template.
RNAConnect, Inc. was recently founded to translate this innovative scientific discovery into full-fledged commercial products that will transform research and clinical practice, underscoring the economic power of superior enzymatic hardware.
RNAConnect is funded by a consortium of investors including Connecticut Innovations.
Why Join RNAConnect?
- Reverse transcriptase is a foundational tool enabling all other efforts to interrogate RNA as well as the rapidly expanding efforts to discover, develop, and manufacture RNA biomarkers, mRNA therapeutics and vaccines, and entire classes of clinical diagnostics.
- For commercialization, a high-performance version (UltraMarathonRT (uMRT)), has been developed and will be optimized and incorporated into a suite of commercial products for the most common sequencing applications.
- uMRT products will, for the first time, allow the scientific community to read and detect variation within whole transcriptomes, revealing previously invisible information that is critical for understanding all layers of biological function, from patients to single cells.
- We will launch multiple products within the next 18 months and increase our employees by > 50% in 2024.
- Members of our Executive team and Board of Directors have formed multiple venture-back companies with successful exits.
Senior Research Scientist, Molecular Biology
Possesses a thorough understanding of laboratory procedures and can reliably and independently conduct complex experiments and corresponding data analysis. Experience with construct design protein expression and purification for the manufactureof novel enzymatic variantss. Performs optimization and evaluates enzyme performance under a variety of test conditions for to establish protocols operating limits. . Responsible for review and compilation of results and data comparison against SOP acceptance criteria, methodology, protocol and product specifications. Ensures accurate retention of data in retrievable repositories. Performs self-review for own data prior to QC submission. Drafts manuscripts and poster presentations for data dissemination.
Responsibilities:
- Discovery, characterization and optimization of enzymes
- Biochemistry, mechanism or structure-function studies of enzymes
- Enzyme engineering using rational design and directed evolution
- Applications of enzymes in diagnostics, synthetic biology, genetic engineering, NGS sequencing including short-read and long-read sequencing, epigenetics, genomics, and other related areas of biotechnology
- Performs a variety of complex sample preparation and analysis procedures.
- Plans and organizes work with periodic supervision.
- Sets up and maintains analytical instrumentation.
- Trains on routine operation, maintenance and theory of analytical instrumentation, SOPs and regulatory procedures and guidelines.
- Ensures QA findings are addressed appropriately.
- Aids and training to other team members.
- Problem solving, either independently or with assistance pertaining to extraction and/or instrumentation problems.
- Communicates project status to project leader.
- Performs work assignments accurately, and in a timely and safe manner.
- Reviews, interprets, and analyzes data for technical, quality and compliance to protocols, methods, SOPs, client criteria and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) or Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
- Performs self and peer review of the data for accuracy and compliance with reporting requirements prior to submission to QA and issuance to customers.
Qualifications:
Education
- PhD degree and relevant formal academic qualification in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology or related discipline
Experience, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
- 8+ years of experience working in industry or rigorous academic labs
- Demonstrated knowledge of multiple applicable techniques such as: experience with designing, constructing, and testing expression and activity of enzymes in a variety of assays
- Experience with enzyme engineering, including rational design and direction evolution is required
- Experience with polymerase enzymes is highly desirable
Experience with bioinformatics analysis is a required
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word
- scholarship and leadership in their field through publications and participation in international conferences
- scientific communication and presentation skills to both lead and contribute positively to a larger scientific team
Work Environment
- Able to communicate, receive, and understand information and ideas with diverse groups of people in a comprehensible and reasonable manner.
- Able to work upright and stationary and/or standing for typical working hours.
- Able to lift and move objects up to 25 pounds.
- Able to work in non-traditional work environments.
- Able to use and learn standard office equipment and technology with proficiency.
- May have exposure to potentially hazardous elements, including infectious agents, typically found in healthcare or laboratory environments.
- Able to perform successfully under pressure while prioritizing and handling multiple projects or activities.