Downstream Process Development - Scientist II

About the position: GreenLight Biosciences is seeking an exceptional and highly motivated process scientist to help advance the company’s RNA platform technology. The successful candidate will support R&D efforts within the company by developing scalable processes for therapeutic RNA production. A deep technical background in chromatography, solid-liquid separations, clarification and tangential flow filtration is required. Analytical chemistry, molecular biology, and assay development experience is preferred. Strong organizational and communication skills, creative problem-solving, and flexibility are essential.

About the company: GreenLight Biosciences solves big problems facing society in agriculture, human health, and animal health through scientific innovation. GreenLight Biosciences is dedicated to bringing our cell-free RNA production process to market. Our work will lead to more sustainable global development, and we promise to deliver our safe solution without compromising the Earth and its people. One of the small coterie of early RNA-focused biotech startups, GreenLight Biosciences was founded in 2009, raised its most recent round this year and has a broad portfolio addressing key issues in plant health and human health.  The GreenLight team is over 150 people across our headquarters in Medford, MA, an R&D facility in Woburn, MA and an R&D facility in Research Triangle Park, NC. Construction is underway on a pilot scale biomanufacturing plant in Rochester, NY. Initiatives include finding ways to support biodiversity, protect bees and other pollinators, treat rare diseases such as Sickle Cell Disease as well as develop vaccines for seasonal flu and the current COVID-19 pandemic. We value diversity, inclusion, and equality and promises to use collaboration to remain scientifically imaginative and passionately focused on making a difference in the world. 

Key Position Responsibilities:

Design and validate downstream process conditions through resin and filter screening to find optimal clarification, capture and polishing steps for RNA products
Test multiple liquid chromatographic separation techniques, solid-phase extraction, TFF, etc.
Perform multiscale column packing and validation
Evaluate downstream process robustness through DOE approaches
Evaluate purity of RNA samples for nucleic acid, protein, and other contaminants
Develop novel analytical methods where necessary
Work independently and in collaboration with multidisciplinary project teams, as well as the Analytical Chemistry and Metabolic Engineering groups
Maintain diligent and organized records
Clearly communicate results and recommendations to colleagues, managers, and senior management, assisting in project decision-making
Work on problems of diverse scope (bridging upstream and downstream processes and analytical science), provide guidance to junior scientists

Position Requirements:

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related discipline with at least 3 years of industrial experience or 5 years of academic experience, specializing in the RNA field is preferred. Candidates with a M.S. and at least 8 years of industrial experience in the RNA field will also be considered.
Experience with multiple chromatography modes, column packing and validation, AKTA purifiers and Unicorn software is required
Experience with scale up and HTS screening and DOE approaches is required
Experience with primary clarification methods for cell cultures is desirable
Experience with enzyme activity assays is desirable and developing analytical chemistry methods (e.g. HPLC) is desirable
Experience with standard molecular biology techniques, including characterization of nucleic acids is desirable
Strong organization, communication, and interpersonal skills are required, with the ability to work both independently and in a collaborative work environment