Scientist - RNA Therapeutic Discovery

Scientist I - RNA Therapeutic Discovery (4-month contract)

Ascidian is redefining the treatment of disease by rewriting RNA.

Ascidian Therapeutics was founded to rewrite RNA by editing and replacing human exons. We were inspired by ocean creatures, called Ascidians, who are primordial ancestors of vertebrates. To grow from larvae to adults, ascidians re‑engineer their transcriptome through RNA editing via trans‑splicing and alternative splicing.

In our Brighton/Boston labs, RNA biology meets today's cutting‑edge genomics, computational biology, and deep‑sequencing technologies to create a new class of medicines that address the underlying causes of disease. We welcome you to join our vibrant team and help us lead the way into a new gene therapy era.

We are seeking a Contract Scientist I with strong cell and molecular biology experience to join the RNA Therapeutic Discovery Team. In this contractor role, the selected individual will contribute to ongoing research efforts by designing and executing experiments to advance novel RNA therapeutics. The successful candidate will be creative, detail oriented, have excellent communication skills, and be willing to work in a dynamic environment.

A commitment to the collective success of the team is essential.

• Design, execute, and interpret experiments to improve therapeutic performance of designer RNA molecules
• Support research activities that contribute to the company’s intellectual property portfolio
• Interpret data, generate figures, and clearly communicate findings to the team
• Maintain accurate and detailed records using ELN

• Extensive hands‑on experience with mammalian cell culture, particularly iPSCs and iPSC‑derived cell models
• Proven expertise in working with AAV vectors, including handling, titration, and transduction in challenging cell types (e.g., iPSC‑derived cells)
• Proficiency with basic molecular biology techniques: plasmid design, cloning, primer design and PCR, DNA isolation, gel electrophoresis, Sanger sequencing analysis
• Proficiency with RNA extraction and quantification by qPCR and ddPCR
• Protein extraction and western blot
• Eagerness to learn and receptive to feedback
• Demonstrated problem solving and troubleshooting skills

• Ph.D. in molecular/cellular biology, biochemistry, genetics, or related field with 5+ years relevant laboratory experience
• Background in RNA, cardiac biology, muscle biology, and/or neuroscience

If you feel energized by what you read here, but aren’t sure you meet every requirement, please consider applying! We believe diverse backgrounds lead to innovative thinking that enables effective treatment for millions of patients. Above all, we’re looking for the right person with skills and talent to grow the company together while enriching your professional and scientific experience.

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self‑identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.

Form CC‑305
Why are you being asked to complete this form?

We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress toward this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one.

People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.

Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract…