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.
Position Overview:
We are seeking a highly motivated Sr. Scientist with a strong background in cell biology, biochemistry, and cell-based assay development to join our Cellular Team. The successful candidate will lead the design and development of transformative genome engineering technology, leveraging high-throughput screening platforms and advanced synthetic biology techniques. This role involves executing complex screening workflows and developing novel methodologies to meet the team’s scientific objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Independently design, plan, and execute scientific programs aligned with the team’s research goals
- Develop, optimize, and calibrate cell-based and biochemical assays to evaluate integration efficiency and gene expression
- Support other team members in troubleshooting and resolving scientific issues
- Record, analyze, and interpret data; prepare detailed reports and present experimental data effectively
- Collaborate cross-functionally with departments and teams to ensure alignment and data flow
Qualifications and Experience:
- A Master’s degree (MSc), PhD or relevant industry experience in cell biology, biochemistry, and/ or related fields
- Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in mammalian cell biology, preferably in an industry settings (commensurate with level of Education)
- Proven expertise in mammalian cell culture techniques, culturing primary cells, and conducting complex cell-based assays, FACS analysis
- Experience in RNA biology, genetic engineering–advantage
- Hands-on in vivo experience, including collaboration with CROs
- Excellent data analysis, documentation, and communication skills
Key Competencies:
- Excellent communication skills – both English and Hebrew
- Exceptional teamwork abilities, enabling effective collaboration in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment.
- Able to balance technical depth with strategic awareness, and to provide guidance to peers in teamwork and accountability
- Strong intellectual and scientific curiosity, regularly integrating new findings into project design
- Critical thinking, comfortable challenging self and peers in a positive manner
- Results driven, able to prioritize, manage resources and demonstrate solution-oriented thinking
- Able to function in a highly collaborative, fast-paced and multi-timezone environment
- Adaptability to changing priorities and variable workloads.
Work Structure:
- The position is a full time on-site position in Averna offices in Israel.
- General ability to flex work time/days to account for meetings across time zones.