Job Description

About Averna

Averna Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing genomic medicines for a broad range of diseases. Our technology leverages naturally occurring genetic elements found in safe harbor loci in nature to deliver new genes via mRNA and lipid nanoparticles to achieve precise, safe, and durable insertion of entire therapeutic genes. Backed by an expert team and experienced investors, we are poised to transform the landscape of genomic medicine, offering treatments that can be re-dosed and titrated with curative intent to bring hope to patients suffering from genetic diseases, cancer, and autoimmune conditions.

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

Averna Therapeutics is seeking an experienced in vivo scientist to independently organize, manage, develop and execute in vivo work flows to support the development of cancer and immunology therapeutics.  This person will work with lead scientist and Head of Immunology.  There is potential to work with other leaders across the company to support additional programs.  This includes developing in vivo models to assess the delivery, efficacy, and tolerability of these therapeutics.  This person will have exceptional organizational and communication skills, documentation skills and an attention to detail.  A highly collaborative spirit is needed as this person will interface with internal stakeholders, lead scientists (onsite and overseas), staff at vivariums.  This role entails managing the day-to-day study management, execution, data collection to support in vivo workflows in the company.  Maintaining thorough and timely records of protocols, experiments, and results is required. This person will provide updates on project progress will be provided to key stakeholders.

• Experience independently organizing, managing and executing multiple parallel in vivo studies and workflows; experience working with cancer/immuno-oncology models highly desired.
• Work with the lead scientists to design and execute in vivo studies and report scientific findings.
• Detailed documentation and record keeping.
• Proficiency with in vivo techniques, including animal handling, ip, iv, sc dosing, blood collection (submandibular, tail) tumor monitoring (IVIS), necropsy, tissue collection, processing required.
• Experience with tissue culture, immune assays (ELISA/MSD) and flow multiparameter cytometry a plus.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully across teams and disciplines.
• Proficient in IVIS imaging software, GraphPad Prism, and Excel.
• Experience evaluating payload delivery, biodistribution, and cell type distribution of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) is ideal.

Qualifications:

• B.S (5-8 years) or M.S. (3-5 years) in a relevant biological discipline and experience in biotechnology and drug development required. Level will be commensurate with experience.
• Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Flexibility and adaptability in study design are crucial.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail, particularly in documenting methods and data for in vivo studies.
• This position is well-suited for a creative scientist eager to contribute to therapeutic advancements in a collaborative setting.

Work Structure: 

• Office/Lab/vivarium located in Watertown, MA and will onsite work is required.  Some off hours may be needed to support in vivo studies, although additional technical support will be scheduled as available.
• General ability to flex work time/days to account for meetings across time zones.