Senior Research Associate - RNA Therapeutics Platform

San Francisco, CA

Full-time, Onsite @ MBC Biolabs (Dogpatch)

Kerna Labs is building foundation models of RNA biology to discover and develop better genetic medicines faster. We're seeking exceptional experimental biologists who are passionate about collaborating with AI researchers to drive progress in RNA therapeutics.

We are interested in applicants with 3+ years of experience at a biotechnology or pharmaceutical company and are open to a range of experience levels beyond that. This position is full-time in-person in San Francisco.

At Kerna, you'll work with exceptional team members who are curious, driven, and humble, including:

• Founding Scientist of Deep Genomics who built the ML platform and led the team behind the BigRNA model

• Former Chief Scientific Officer of Moderna 

• 2nd-time founder of a biomaterials company

• PhDs in Machine Learning and Biology from Stanford, Princeton, and University of Toronto

Responsibilities

Candidates who join us should expect manage a variety of projects including:

• Execute arrayed and multiplex mRNA manufacture, characterization, and optimization in mammalian and primary cell models

• Assay development: miniaturization, automation, key process improvements for our high-throughput experimental platforms

• Perform molecular cloning, construct design, and plasmid preparation for high-throughput screening applications 

• Collaborate with computational teams to ensure computational modeling is biologically sound

Requirements

• B.S./M.S. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related with 3+ years of relevant post-graduate experience

• Clear communicator with a track record of designing interpretable experiments in complex multi-variate systems

• Proficiency in mammalian and primary cell culture including transfection, cell line maintenance, live-cell imaging, etc.

Nice to have

• Experience with RNA therapeutics (mRNA preferred)
• Experience at a cell or gene therapy company
• Experience cloning or building complex DNA/RNA libraries for high-throughput experimentation
• Experience with high throughput sequencing technologies (SBS, Nanopore, Pacbio)

We encourage you to apply even if you do not believe you meet every single qualification. Strong candidates may not meet all qualifications as listed.

What we offer

• We want you to grow with us. We're a small team and you'll have a lot of opportunities to take on new challenges and responsibilities.

• Everyone who works here is dedicated, mission driven, and fun to work with.

• Our lab and office at MBC Biolabs in the Dogpatch neighborhood of San Francisco: a great area to live and work.

• Salary range: $80K - $120K, with additional significant equity

• 401(k) plan 

• Medical and vision insurance

• Flexible time off

• The ability to join an ambitious start-up on the ground floor

What to expect from Kerna Labs

• We are a tight-knit and collaborative research culture.

• We are committed to team science, where outstanding biologists and AI researchers iterate rapidly and purposefully towards new genetic medicines.

We're excited to be backed by

• Top-tier venture firms in AI, biotech, and deeptech like Gradient Ventures and Humba Ventures 

• The best minds in biotech like Patrick Hsu (co-founder of the Arc Institute), Melissa J Moore (former CSO of Moderna), Jacob Kimmel (co-founder of NewLimit) 

Join us in our mission of turning mRNA into a universal toolkit for genetic medicine.

• Kerna Labs is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.