Scientist-Senior Scientist-Biology Lead-Kidney Experience

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits:

• Bonus based on performance
• Competitive salary
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Stock options plan

Scientist/Senior Scientist, Biology Lead Kidney Experience
About the Role
We are seeking a highly motivated, hands-on, and scientifically rigorous Scientist/Senior Scientist with deep expertise in both in vitro and in vivo kidney biology, renal disease mechanisms, and translationally relevant kidney disease models to build and lead our kidney biology engine at a venture-backed startup biotech company. This individual will play a foundational role in establishing integrated in vitro and in vivo kidney research platforms that enable target discovery, mechanistic validation, therapeutic screening, and development candidate nomination for next-generation targeted genetic medicines.

Our therapeutic focus is on kidney diseases leveraging our novel ligand-guided siRNA delivery platform. The ideal candidate combines extensive bench expertise in renal cellular biology, kidney disease models, in vivo pharmacology/efficacy studies, and translational assay development, with a strong builder mentality suited for a fast-paced, venture-backed startup.

This is an unique opportunity to shape core scientific capabilities, work closely with executive leadership, and directly impact therapeutic programs from target discovery through preclinical development. This position is primarily on-site in Boston, MA.

Key Responsibilities

Kidney Biology Engine Development (Primary Focus)
Build and lead the internal kidney biology platform spanning both in vitro and in vivo capabilities to support discovery and development of renal-targeted therapeutics
Establish, optimize, and scale kidney disease-relevant cellular, molecular, and animal models
Develop robust, scalable bioassays and experimental workflows to support:
Kidney target biology validation
Receptor expression, trafficking, and internalization characterization
Ligand discovery and screening
LigandsiRNA conjugate uptake, endosomal escape, and functional knockdown
In vivo PK/PD, biodistribution, efficacy, and biomarker analyses
Design mechanistic assays and translational studies for kidney disease pathways relevant to therapeutic targets

Program Execution
Design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret complex in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies across multiple kidney disease programs
Generate high-quality data packages to support discovery decisions, target prioritization, and development candidate nomination
Drive scientific rigor in assay reproducibility, translational relevance, and platform scalability

In Vivo Biology and Translational Leadership
Lead or significantly contribute to in vivo kidney disease studies, including efficacy, biodistribution, PK/PD, and mechanistic studies
Support selection, management, and interpretation of external CRO or academic in vivo studies
Integrate in vitro and in vivo findings to refine therapeutic hypotheses, delivery strategies, and biomarker plans
Contribute to translational biology strategy supporting future IND-enabling development

Cross-functional Leadership
Serve as a scientific leader across biology, platform, and therapeutic program needs
Collaborate closely with chemistry, delivery, translational, regulatory, and external teams
Help define scientific strategy for kidney therapeutic programs and platform evolution

Data, Communication, and Documentation
Maintain rigorous industry standard ELN documentation
Present findings to internal research team, leadership & external partners
Contribute to patents, publications, study reports, and data presentations

Required Qualifications
PhD in Nephrology, Renal Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, or related field with 38+ years of relevant postdoctoral and/or industry experience
Deep expertise and extensive hands-on bench experience in both in vitro and in vivo kidney biology, kidney disease mechanisms, and translational renal models
Strong technical expertise in mammalian cell culture (including different kidney cells), qPCR/RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, ELISA/MSD, Western blot, immunostaining, advanced imaging, and functional assay development
Excellent scientific communication, problem-solving, and collaborative skills

Preferred Qualifications
Hands-on experience in kidney therapeutics, nephrology, or precision medicine
Direct experience with renal efficacy studies, PK/PD, biodistribution, or translational biomarker programs
Experience with siRNA, ASO, mRNA, or nucleic acid therapeutics
Experience with ligand-mediated or receptor-targeted delivery systems
Prior startup biotech experience

What We Are Looking For
Builder mindset with excitement to create new platform
Hands-on leader who enjoys bench work
Strong problem solver comfortable with ambiguity in a startup environment
Collaborative team player