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Orna Therapeutics · 20 hours ago

Senior/Principal Scientist

Watertown, MA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

$126K/yr - $161K/yr

5+ years exp

Orna Therapeutics is an innovative biotechnology startup based in Watertown, MA, committed to developing groundbreaking therapies for diseases that current approaches cannot address. They are looking for a talented and driven Senior/Principal Scientist to join their RNA Production Research Optimization team, where the role involves developing next-gen RNA-based therapeutics and optimizing circular-RNA purity.

BiotechnologyMedicalPharmaceuticalTherapeutics

H1B Sponsor Likely

Responsibilities

The candidate will be responsible for the development of in-vitro transcription (IVT) conditions and purification processes for circular-RNA-based therapeutics to support various programs

Optimize reactions, starting materials, and process conditions

Contribute to downstream process development for purification of circular-RNA

Develop circular-RNA analytics for purity determination and impurity profiling

Ability to Supervise and mentor junior team members

Cross-train team members in RNA synthesis and purification

Qualification

Purification of circular RNARNA splicing mechanismsNucleic acid chemistryCell biologyAKTA purifierUnicorn softwareBacterial cell cultureMammalian cell cultureAnalytical techniquesCommunication skillsCollaboration skillsMentoring skills

Required

PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field with 5+ years of industry experience or master's degree with 10+ years of specialized experience

Demonstrated success in the purification of circular RNA from IVT reactions, specifically utilizing chromatography and filtration techniques

Deep theoretical knowledge and robust hands-on experience with RNA splicing mechanisms and ribozyme biochemistry

In-depth knowledge of nucleic acid/oligonucleotides chemistry and standard analytical methods of these molecules

A comprehensive foundation in cell biology is essential for this role

Proven track record of managing and mentoring high-performing, motivated technical teams

Hands-on experience with AKTA purifier with solid knowledge of Unicorn software

The applicant should have strong communication and collaboration skills, along with multiple examples of a strong technical background

Experience with bacterial and mammalian cell culture

Experience with analytical techniques like ELISA, CE, HPLC, LC-MS

Benefits

Annual target bonus percentage

Equity based on job level

Generous time off policies

Comprehensive benefits package

Company

Orna Therapeutics

Orna Therapeutics is a biotechnology company that specializes in fully engineered circular RNA therapeutics to treat various diseases.

Founded in 2019

Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

51-200 employees

http://ornatx.com

H1B Sponsorship

Orna Therapeutics has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)

Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship

Represents job field similar to this job

Trends of Total Sponsorships

2025 (10)

2024 (1)

2023 (5)

2022 (2)

2021 (1)

Funding

Current Stage

Growth Stage

Total Funding

$321M

Key Investors

MerckMPM Capital

2022-08-16Series B· $221M

2021-02-24Series A· $80M

2020-01-01Seed· $20M

Leadership Team

Frank Neumann

Chief Medical Officer

Recent News

PR Newswire

Orna Therapeutics Presents New Data Supporting its in vivo CAR Programs for Autoimmune Diseases and Oncology at the 67th American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting

2025-12-07

Labiotech UG

10 gene therapy companies you should know about

2025-11-15

PR Newswire

Orna Therapeutics Announces Multiple Presentations Supporting its in vivo CAR Programs for Autoimmune Diseases at the 67th American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting

2025-11-03

Company data provided by crunchbase