Senior Research Associate, Nucleic Acids Biochemistry (Contract)

Company Summary: 

Ring Therapeutics Inc. is a privately held, early-stage biotechnology company pioneering a completely novel form of gene therapy by exploiting a family of naturally occurring commensal viruses to create the first re-doseable and targetable DNA medicines. This approach enables a powerful new class of tropic, persistent, non-integrating vectors that overcome the immunogenicity, and limited tropism of existing gene therapy vectors. Ring Therapeutics is leveraging this versatile technology to develop a broad pipeline of novel, targeted medicines for disease with high unmet medical need.
Ring Therapeutics was founded by Flagship Pioneering, focused on launching breakthrough companies based on internally conceived innovations and insights. Flagship Pioneering has created over 40 groundbreaking companies over the past fifteen years, all of which are pioneering novel and proprietary biological, industrial, and engineering approaches to solve major needs in human health and sustainability. These companies include Moderna (MRNA), Seres Therapeutics (NASDAQ:MCRB), Syros Pharmaceuticals (SYRS), Rubius Therapeutics (RUBY), Axcella Health, Evelo Biosciences (EVLO), and Indigo Agriculture.
Position Summary:

Ring Therapeutics is seeking a Senior Research Associate to join the Nucleic Acids Biochemistry team within Platform to help develop new Nucleic Acid viral payload modalities. This BS or MS-level researcher will be responsible for utilizing a variety of techniques like molecular cloning, liquid chromatography, cell culture, imaging, digital/qPCR and flow cytometry to create and characterize novel DNA/RNA molecules. We are searching for enthusiastic and highly motivated individuals who are comfortable multitasking and working both within a team and independently on various aspects of the nucleic acids’ biology platform development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Follow experimental protocols related to
• cloning, bacterial propagation and plasmid DNA isolation
• Digital and qPCR
• Cell culture (HEK293), nucleofection, transfection, genomic DNA extraction
• Flow cytometry data collection and analysis 
• Liquid chromatography for purification and characterization
• Perform, troubleshoot, and analyze molecular cloning experiments to support company objectives
• Maintain electronic lab notebooks, and communicate results to the scientific team
• Work independently and collaborate with scientific colleagues in support of team goals
• Adhere to laboratory safety requirements and procedures

Qualifications:

• B.S./B.A. in Biology or related field with 3+ years experience in an academic or industry setting OR MS degree with 1+ years of experience.
• Candidates must have hands-on experience in the following molecular biology techniques:
• Bacterial transformation, culture, plating
• Plasmid and genomic DNA purification
• Molecular cloning (e.g., traditional, Golden Gate, Gibson, etc.)
• PCR, gel electrophoresis, gel imaging (qPCR, ddPCR experience is a plus)
• Sanger DNA sequencing experience is a plus.
• Flow cytometry experience a desirable but not essential.
• Liquid chromatography (FPLC/HPLC) experience a plus but not essential.
• Excellent aseptic technique; demonstrated knowledge with general micro/molecular biology techniques.
• Experience with mRNA handling and design desirable but not essential.
• Understanding of DNA/RNA formulation desirable but not essential.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of conveying technical information in a clear and thorough manner.
• Demonstrated ability to work with highly skilled teams in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial and technical environment.
• Comfortable delivering against challenging commitments
• Self-motivating and adaptable to evolving project priorities and eager to learn new skills.
• Confident, execution-focused, team-oriented.

Flagship Pioneering and our ecosystem companies are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

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.