Associate Scientist/Scientist I, In Vivo Pharmacology (Contract)

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Mirai Bio is a privately-held, Flagship-founded biotechnology company that is delivering genetic medicines from promise to performance. Mirai was built to solve one of the field’s central challenges: achieving precise, scalable delivery of diverse nucleic acid payloads to specific cells and tissues, particularly beyond the liver. By combining a large and growing proprietary in vivo biodistribution dataset, machine learning-guided lipid nanoparticle optimization, modular targeted particle design, and integrated translation and manufacturing capabilities, Mirai helps partners accelerate development, reduce technical risk, and pursue high-value programs making delivery a strategic advantage. We are seeking collaborative, relentless problem solvers that share our passion for defining the future of genetic medicines together.

THE ROLE

Mirai is seeking a contract Associate Scientist/Scientist I to join the Translational Biology team and support in vivo laboratory research activities toward the development of novel technologies enabling next-generation genomic medicines. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of the technical and equipment needs of an in vivo lab, along with significant hands-on experience in rodent in vivo techniques and standard molecular and cell biology assays used to characterize novel formulations. This role requires greater independence than an entry-level associate position: the Scientist I is expected to design experiments, troubleshoot independently, and contribute to the direction of in vivo studies, while working closely and collaboratively with a cross-functional team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and conduct in vivo (mouse) studies to characterize and assess the function, pharmacokinetics, and biodistribution of novel formulations, with increasing ownership of study design and interpretation.
• Perform hands-on dosing of mice (including intravenous and other routes) and isolation/processing of mouse blood and tissues.
• Lead or support the development of new in vivo models, including humanized mouse models, live-animal bioluminescent or fluorescence imaging, in vivo target discovery models, and development/optimization of mouse tumor models.
• Execute and optimize lab procedures such as tissue lysis, ELISA, Western blot, RNA/DNA extraction, qPCR, flow cytometry, and related cell/molecular biology assays supporting in vivo studies.
• Develop new assays or optimize existing ones based on in-depth knowledge of laboratory techniques, including experimental planning and execution.
• Analyze, interpret, and accurately document study and assay results in an electronic lab notebook or other technical reporting formats, and present findings in internal meetings.
• Apply strong experimental design, troubleshooting, and data analysis skills to resolve issues and improve study quality and throughput.
• Collaborate cross-functionally and may provide guidance or informal mentorship to research associates supporting in vivo work.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• BS or MS degree in addition to relevant industry experience
  • Associate Scientist: BS and 8+ years or MS degree and 6+ years of industry experience
  • Scientist I: BS and 10+ years or MS degree and 8+ years of industry experience
• Significant hands-on experience working with small laboratory animals (mice), preferably in a biotech or pharmaceutical environment.
• Well-established, independent experience with rodent in vivo dosing and handling techniques.
• Experience in tissue dissection and tissue preparation for histology, RNA, and protein analysis.
• Experience with molecular and cell biology techniques such as ELISA, FACS/flow cytometry, RT-PCR, and Luminex assays.
• Working knowledge of analysis tools such as Excel, GraphPad, and PowerPoint for experimental documentation and data analysis/presentation.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively across highly skilled, cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and technically complex environment.
• Hands-on experience with a variety of cell and sample types, including immune cells; expertise in tissue processing and flow cytometry characterization is a plus.
• Proficient in primary and cell line culture techniques, with demonstrated ability to execute protocols, troubleshoot assays, and perform literature reviews to evaluate and refine experimental methods.
• Prior experience working with lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) is preferred.
• Strong organizational and analytical problem-solving skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Self-motivated, intellectually curious, and comfortable engaging with complex scientific projects and technical teams.

ABOUT FLAGSHIP PIONEERING:

Flagship Pioneering invents and builds platform companies, each with the potential for multiple products that transform human health, sustainability and beyond. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated more than 100 companies. Many of these companies have addressed humanity’s most urgent challenges: vaccinating billions of people against COVID-19, curing intractable diseases, improving human health, preempting illness, and feeding the world by improving the resiliency and sustainability of agriculture.  

Flagship has been recognized twice on FORTUNE’s “Change the World” list, an annual ranking of companies that have made a positive social and environmental impact through activities that are part of their core business strategies and has been twice named to Fast Company’s annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies. Learn more about Flagship at www.flagshippioneering.com.

At Flagship, we accept impossible missions to enable bigger leaps. Our core values guide us through uncertainty and toward lasting impact.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We recognize that great candidates often bring unique strengths without fulfilling every qualification. If you have some of the experience listed above but not all, please apply anyway. We are dedicated to building diverse and inclusive teams and look forward to learning more about your background and interest in Flagship.

Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Flagship Pioneering and its affiliated Flagship Lab companies (collectively, “FSP”) do not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to FSP or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Flagship Pioneering’s internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of FSP, and FSP will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.

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The pay range for this role is $46 - $60 per hour and the contractor will be employed by a third-party staffing company. Certain employee benefits may be available to the contractor through the staffing company after meeting minimum criteria. Compensation and benefits information is based on Mirai Bio's good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.