Research Associate – Oligonucleotide Chemistry 

COMPANY OVERVIEW 

AIRNA is a biotechnology company with a mission to be the leading RNA editing company delivering precision therapies to patients with rare and common diseases. 

AIRNA is harnessing advances in genetics to develop transformative RNA-editing medicines that improve human health. Our proprietary platform is based on groundbreaking research by pioneers of the field and company co-founders Thorsten Stafforst (University of Tübingen) and Jin Billy Li (Stanford University) and enables optimal potency, safety, and delivery. AIRNA is advancing a robust pipeline of therapeutic candidates that are designed to provide functional cures for severe or chronic diseases by repairing harmful genetic variants or introducing beneficial variants promote optimal health. 

AIRNA has raised $245 million in financing from a world-class syndicate of investors including Arch Venture Partners, Forbion, Venrock Healthcare Capital Partners, RTW Investments, Nextech Invest, and ND Capital. We value teamwork, resilience, excellence, human, and health, and have a diverse team at both our headquarters in Cambridge, MA and our research operations in Tübingen, Germany. 

JOB DESCRIPTION: 

  • Support the synthesis of oligonucleotides on mouse and non-human primate (NHP) scale (Mermade, Cytiva, K&A) for research and pre-clinical use 
  • Apply and develop processing workflows and procedures to enhance time efficiency and product quality 
  • Run systematic reaction optimizations on automated DNA synthesizers 
  • Perform conjugation reactions of small molecules with oligonucleotides 
  • Document and report experimental results 
  • Write standard operating procedures (SOP’s) 
  • Maintain a clean and safe working environment 
  • Pro-actively communicate with other team members and colleagues within the company 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • MSc in organic chemistry or related (or BSc with min. 2 years of industry experience) 
  • Familiarity with oligonucleotide chemistry and previous work experience is considered a plus 
  • Solid wet lab skills: pipetting, manipulating liquids, handling chemicals, work in laminar flow hood etc.; familiarity with HPLC equipment is considered a plus, familiarity with oligonucleotide synthesizers is a big plus 
  • Hands-on approach and can-do attitude, precision, and attention to detail 
  • Team player with excellent communication skills in spoken and written English, German is a plus 
  • A valid work permit for Germany is mandatory 

OUR OFFER 

  • An exciting role in a promising, high-impact research field. 
  • The opportunity to contribute to the development of future medicines. 
  • Work within a fast-growing startup that values innovation and scientific excellence. 
  • Collaborate with a diverse, enthusiastic, and international team. 
  • Be part of the ONE AIRNA culture. 
  • Attractive compensation, stock options, and additional benefits. 
  • The position involves working across both Germany and the US and intercultural exchange opportunities. 

LOCATION 

The position is based in Tübingen, Germany. 

We look forward to your application and to shaping the future of medicine together! Are you interested? Please forward your application to careers@airna.com. 

  Back to Careers