Senior Scientist/Principal Scientist RNA Therapeutics

Immunomic Therapeutics, Inc. (ITI), a privately held, pre-IPO clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering the study of LAMP-mediated nucleic acid-based immunotherapy using UNITE®.  Powered by LAMP (Lysosomal Associated Membrane Protein), ITI’s UNITE® platform is designed to utilize the body’s natural biochemistry to develop vaccines that have the potential to generate broad immune responses. The UNITE® platform has a robust history of applications in various therapeutic areas, including infectious diseases, oncology, allergy, and autoimmune diseases. ITI is primarily focused on applying the UNITE® platform in oncology, where it could potentially have broad applications, including antigen-derived antibodies as biologics. The company has built a pipeline of four wholly-owned oncology programs, the lead of which is in a Phase 2 clinical study for Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM).

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Scientist with a strong understanding and significant experience in nucleic acid research to contribute to the success of ITI’s vaccine and nucleic acid therapeutic platform. This is a high visibility role within the organization and provides ample opportunity to bring novel therapeutics into various areas facing unmet medical needs. The candidate is expected to work independently with minimum supervision, a critical thinker and she/he will be utilizing/building a talented team of scientists and technical staff to accomplish the goals of this strategic division within ITI’s R&D department.

The candidate will be a key member of the vaccine program to design and optimize RNA vaccine candidates and support ITI platform technology development in a preclinical setting. The candidate is expected to contribute to multiple areas such as Immuno-oncology through novel cancer immunotherapy approaches, vaccines, and immune-modulatory approaches within infectious/allergic diseases therapeutic areas. He/she is expected to have deep understanding, cutting-edge knowledge, and significant hands-on experience in nucleic acid research especially within mRNA and self-amplifying RNA (replicon system) space. Candidates with a history of working independently and able to make critical decisions throughout the development process, contributed significantly for successful outcome of projects in their career are sought for this role.

• Draw on the technical expertise and lead the team of scientists in the areas of molecular biology, especially in RNA biology to guide the design of ITI vaccines and nucleic acids therapeutic pipelines.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills to mentor scientists are essential, expected to participate in making hiring decisions, ensuring the growth of the team, and retaining talents.
• Enable initiate and manage collaborations with internal and external stakeholders.

• Customer Focus
• Communication/Presentation Skills (spoken, written)
• Integrity/Ethics
• Initiative
• Sense of Urgency
• Teamwork
• Collaboration Skills
• Innovation

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Genetics, or a related scientific field with at least 5+ years of research experience.
• Experienced in the design of expression vectors, molecular biology, and nucleic acids (mainly in the field of RNA biology and therapeutics) with experience in analytical technologies.
• Experienced in designing RNA-based vaccines, as well as strong expertise in developing Self-Amplifying RNA (SAM) therapeutics.
• Well versed in nucleic acid (RNA) synthesis, optimization, and quality control.
• Strong scientific track record with peer-reviewed publications and/or patents and significant demonstrated scientific contributions.
• Strong leadership qualities with demonstrated ability to manage and motivate a team within a preclinical drug/vaccine development environment.
• Familiar with large-scale RNA synthesis, purification, and characterization.
• Industry/biotech experience with knowledge on drug development process is desirable.
• Demonstrated knowledge of immunology and cell biology is a plus.
• Ability to perform in vivo testing of drug/vaccine products is desirable.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Please visit our careers site at http://www.immunomix.com/careers/. Send your cover letter and credentials as described on the Careers page along with the Job Code: 2022 RD004 in the subject line.

Equal Opportunity Employer