Orna Therapeutics is a Watertown-based biotechnology startup on a mission to create therapies for diseases inaccessible to existing approaches. Built on novel circular RNA technology developed at MIT, Orna is leading the next wave of RNA therapeutics with our best-in-class expression and delivery platform.

Orna Therapeutics, Inc. is seeking an Associate Scientist, Process Development (CONTRACT). This role will be perform process development activities for RNA based drug substance and/or LNP drug product.

Key Responsibilities:

• Execute gram-scale productions of circular RNA and/or lipid nanoparticles for cross functional teams supporting development activities and in vivo preclinical studies
• Perform experiments to assess scalable downstream process changes to optimize the clinical manufacturing process for increased product recovery and purity for both circular RNA and lipid nanoparticles (LNP)
• Maintain detailed records on experiment conditions, observations, and results
• Complete activities according to project or departmental timelines
• Compile and maintain database of internal manufacturing process data to trend collected data for circular RNA and/or LNP process understanding and present findings in team meetings.  

Required Skills/Qualifications: 

• Position requires BS or foreign equivalent in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering/related field with 2 years of experience performing process development and/or manufacturing activities for RNA therapeutics
• Experience performing bench milligram and gram scale RNA synthesis by in vitro transcription and purification by tangential flow filtration and affinity chromatography or;
• Experience performing LNP-RNA formulations via microfluidics, T-mixing, or IJM, and purification, concentration, buffer exchange, and filtration
• Familiar with using electronic lab notebooks
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and in teams in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and excited to take on new challenges

Why Orna? At Orna Therapeutics, we’re more than just a workplace—we’re a community. We believe in fostering an environment where individuals can grow, thrive, and make a lasting impact on the future of healthcare. Join us as we revolutionize RNA therapeutics and make a difference in the lives of patients around the world.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Individuals seeking employment at Orna Therapeutics are considered without regards to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identity, or sexual orientation. 

Website: https://www.ornatx.com/

*Orna is unable to sponsor work authorization for contract roles.

The expected salary range for this position is $40.99/hr - $52.51/hr. 

Orna considers a variety of factors when determining base compensation, including experience, qualifications, market data and internal equity. These considerations mean actual compensation may vary. This position will be eligible for benefits through Orna’s third party payroll provider. More information may be shared upon request during the interview process.