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 that 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 looking for an experienced Senior Associate Scientist to join our immunology team to develop therapeutics in the field of cancer and immunology using Averna’s proprietary gene insertion technology. This person will contribute to the development and characterization of drug candidates through IND enabling studies to support Averna’s immune pipeline. This person will have exceptional organizational and communication skills, documentation skills and an attention to detail. A highly collaborative spirit is a must as this person will interface with teams across the organization. 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. 

• Hands-on experience in immune-based therapeutics, with a strong preference for work involving CAR T cells, in vivo CAR approaches, and programs in oncology and/or autoimmunity. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of in vivo disease models supporting the characterization of therapeutic candidates for hematologic malignancies and autoimmune indications, including experience with humanized mouse models. 
• Experience collecting and processing tissues (e.g., blood, bone marrow, spleen) and preparing samples for downstream analytical applications. 
• Proficiency in mammalian cell culture, including immune cell isolation, activation, and maintenance. 
• Demonstrated expertise in flow cytometry, including panel design, staining, data acquisition, and multivariate analysis. 
• Proficiency in in vitro assay development and execution to support drug candidate characterization, including tumor cytotoxicity assays, MSD/ELISA, and Incucyte-based assays. 
• Experience with mRNA-based therapeutics and gene insertion technologies is a strong plus. 
• Familiarity with evaluating payload delivery, biodistribution, and cell-type specificity of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery systems is highly desirable. 
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to analyze and interpret complex datasets, communicate timely updates, and clearly document protocol changes and experimental outcomes. 
• Proven ability to generate high-quality experimental documentation, including detailed entries in electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs) and concise summaries or presentations for internal stakeholders. 
• Collaborative, team-oriented mindset with the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully across scientific disciplines and functional teams. 
• Proficiency with data analysis and visualization tools, including GraphPad Prism, and Microsoft Excel.  IVIS imaging software a plus. 

Qualifications: 

• M.S. (4-6 years), B.S. (6-9 years) in a relevant biological discipline and experience in biotechnology and drug development required. Level will be commensurate with experience. 
• Proficiency in immunology techniques is required. 
• Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team. 
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment. 
• Flexibility and adaptability are crucial. 
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills are required. 
• Meticulous attention to detail and documentation. 
• 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.