Scientist

Capsida Biotherapeutics is a next-generation genetic medicines company focused on ocular and neurological diseases. Traditional gene therapy for ocular diseases has been hampered by the procedural burden of subretinal surgery, as well as physiological and physical barriers that prevent efficient transduction of retinal cell types. Capsida's engineered ocular capsids aim to deliver best-in-class therapies by overcoming these limitations. Our platform has enabled the creation of a large library of novel capsids for ocular delivery, and we are building on this momentum with a growing team of experts in ophthalmology preclinical research. Our wholly owned ophthalmology pipeline features engineered capsids with improved expression profiles through less invasive intravitreal (IVT) and suprachoroidal (SCS) administration, and we are actively advancing these programs toward the clinic. In data presented at the 2026 ASGCT Annual Meeting, our next-generation IVT and SCS capsids demonstrated industry-leading retinal distribution and expression compared with existing serotypes and clinical capsids, with the potential for improved efficacy and safety profiles achieved through lower dosing. Position Summary We are seeking a motivated scientist to join our ophthalmology preclinical research team. The primary responsibility of this role is ocular histology — characterizing capsid distribution, transduction patterns, and cell-type-specific impact across healthy and diseased retinal tissue. The successful candidate will drive quantitative histological analyses that directly inform capsid optimization and candidate selection. This role requires a deep understanding of ocular anatomy and how different retinal cell types are affected across disease progression, enabling the team to evaluate therapeutic efficacy and target engagement at the cellular level. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a rapidly growing pipeline at a pivotal moment as we move toward the clinic. Key Responsibilities Lead ocular histology efforts — perform and oversee ocular tissue collection, processing, cryosectioning, immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence, and confocal microscopy across rodent and large animal models Quantify retinal cell types and transduction patterns using image analysis software (e.g., HALO, ImageJ, or similar), with a focus on understanding cell-type-specific tropism and how transduction efficiency varies by disease state Apply deep knowledge of ocular anatomy to assess how different retinal cell types — including photoreceptors, retinal ganglion cells, bipolar cells, Müller glia, and RPE — are impacted across disease progression, and how capsid performance changes in diseased versus healthy tissue Design, execute, and analyze in vivo studies in rodent and large animal models of ocular disease, with emphasis on intravitreal (IVT) and suprachoroidal (SCS) administration routes Develop and optimize ocular disease models to evaluate capsid performance and therapeutic efficacy Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support capsid screening and candidate selection Maintain detailed electronic lab notebooks and contribute to study reports, presentations, and regulatory filings Present findings at internal meetings and contribute to external scientific conferences Required Qualifications Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Ophthalmology, Cell Biology, or a related discipline (or M.S. with 3+ years of relevant industry experience) Demonstrated expertise in ocular histology as a primary research focus, including retinal dissection, cryosectioning, immunohistochemistry, and confocal microscopy Strong grasp of ocular anatomy and the ability to identify and differentiate retinal cell types, with an understanding of how disease progression alters cell populations and tissue architecture Experience with quantitative image analysis for retinal cell type identification and transduction efficiency Hands-on experience with in vivo ocular administration, particularly IVT injections in rodents Broad molecular biology and bioanalytical skills, including cloning, qPCR, ddPCR, ELISA for protein expression, and/or in situ hybridization (RNAscope) Preferred Qualifications Experience with suprachoroidal (SCS) injection techniques In vitro experience with primary retinal cell cultures, iPSC-derived retinal organoids, or cell-based potency assays Familiarity with AAV gene therapy and capsid engineering concepts Experience with large animal (non-human primate or pig) ocular models Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of publication Demonstrated interest to learn new techniques and contribute to cross-functional teams Why Join Capsida? Be part of an agile, patient-centric company with a large library of novel capsids for both ocular and CNS delivery, and a growing focus on ophthalmology Work on a platform that has demonstrated industry-leading retinal distribution and expression through less invasive IVT and SCS delivery routes Contribute to wholly owned ophthalmology programs advancing toward the clinic Collaborate with a world-class team, including newly appointed CSO Dr. Romu Corbau, who brings over 27 years of gene therapy experience and previously led ocular pipeline expansion at Adverum and translational R&D for Luxturna at Spark Therapeutics Competitive compensation, equity, and comprehensive benefits package Compensation and Benefits: We offer competitive salary and benefits, including stock options, medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, and PTO. Scientist I Salary: $92,000 - $138,000 per year Compensation will vary depending on, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. You may also be offered a bonus, stock options, and benefits. These ranges are subject to change. Additionally, we offer: Relocation compensation Social lunches, happy hours, and other events We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr Capsida Biotherapeutics