Capstan Therapeutics
Senior Research Associate, mRNA Drug Substance
Technology Development - San Diego, CA - Full Time
Capstan Therapeutics, Inc. is a privately held biotechnology company dedicated to advancing in vivo cell reprogramming. The core platform technology comprises proprietary targeted lipid nanoparticles (tLNPs) that are composed of LNPs conjugated with a recombinant protein binder, such as a monoclonal antibody. tLNPs are designed to deliver payloads, including mRNA or gene editing tools, capable of reprogramming specific cell types in vivo. The platform technology has the potential to generate transformative therapies with possible applications across a broad range of disease areas, including oncology, autoimmune disorders, fibrosis, and monogenic blood disorders.
The Opportunity
Capstan is searching for a detailed and highly motivated Senior Research Associate, mRNA Drug Substance to lead process development and production efforts for mRNA, collaborating with both internal and external teams. The focus of the role will be optimizing in-vitro transcription reactions and downstream purification processes for mRNA production.
Responsibilities & Duties:
- Cultivate and refine the mRNA production process, with a targeted emphasis on enhancing upstream in-vitro transcription reactions and refining starting materials.
- Strategize and execute the deployment of scalable mRNA purification methodologies, incorporating advanced chromatography and tangential flow filtration techniques.
- Provide comprehensive assistance to core mRNA production endeavors.
- Compile, analyze, and deliver data presentations internally to interdisciplinary teams.
- Facilitate mRNA process development initiatives at external Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs).
- Assess and integrate cutting-edge technologies to enhance mRNA process efficacy and efficiency.
- Generally met with a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) and 4 years industry experience.
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or related field preferred.
- Experience in chromatography purification using AKTA FPLC system or equivalent.
- Experience in nucleic acid separation science, TFF (UF/DF) buffer exchange, and filtration.
- Technical experience in the development of scalable and commercially viable processes in biotech/pharma industry.
Familiarity with analytical techniques such as qPCR, RPIP HPLC, LC-MS, agarose gel electrophoresis, western blots, dot blots, and capillary electrophoresis.
- Salary range is $90,000 - $105,000/year depending on experience.
- Performance bonus & Equity
- 401k Match Program
- Healthcare Coverage
- Dental Coverage
- Vision Coverage
- Optional Dependent Care Account
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Company Paid Holidays
- Paid Sick Leave
- Onsite Fully Stocked Kitchens
If you are interested in hearing more, reach out to us. We believe that each team member will impact and improve the lives of those we work with, and those we work for—our patients.
Capstan is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform critical job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.
Unsolicited resumes sent to Capstan from recruiters do not constitute any type of relationship between the recruiter and Capstan and do not obligate Capstan to pay fees should we hire from those resumes. We ask that external recruiters and/or agencies not contact or present candidates directly to our hiring managers or employees.
