Associate Director/Director, RNA Discovery (depending on candidate’s background)

Are you a highly skilled RNA molecular biologist with a passion for cutting-edge technology and the drive to make a difference in the world? Do you want to be a part of a dynamic and innovative team at the forefront of RNA medicines? If so, we invite you to join the team of a new RNA Venture as the Senior/Director of RNA Discovery. Join us and become a core participant in building an early-stage startup that is dedicated to changing the world through the creation of groundbreaking RNA therapies!

Backed by Fapon Biotech, an international leader in in vitro diagnostics (IVD), biologics, and precision medicines, the RNA Venture is an innovative Watertown-based biotechnology startup building the RNA medicines of tomorrow. Led by a pioneer in the field of RNA therapeutics and supported by Fapon’s Greater Boston R&D Center of Excellence, we’re pulling together a team of talented scientists, leaders, and operations specialists to solve some of the major barriers to success that RNA therapeutics face.

We are seeking a scientific leader to build and manage the RNA discovery function of the company. The Senior/Director of RNA Discovery would be responsible for leading a mid-sized team to discover new RNA therapeutic molecules for a range of applications, as well as overseeing RNA synthesis and purification infrastructure, fulfillment of production needs, analytical assay development, and process development as needed. They would coordinate and facilitate collaborations with other teams, present strategy and progress to executives, board members, and investors, and support the growth and career development of junior and mid-level scientists. The ideal candidate is an RNA molecular biologist with strong management and leadership experience who is excited by the idea of being a core participant in building an early startup and guiding the scientific vision of the company. They would be engaged in science and driven by our mission to create therapies that help people in ways that are currently impossible.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and lead the RNA Discovery team with multiple functions including RNA synthesis and purification, analytical and bioanalytical assays, pooled library screening, and process development
• Work with senior leadership and investors on shaping and informing the RNA technology strategy
• Collaborate with the Delivery Discovery team to execute proof of concept studies; collaborate with preclinical and CMC leadership to develop a translational pipeline from animal studies to clinics
• Define budget and allocate resources to meet corporate objectives
• Lead and contribute to patent applications related to the RNA technology
• Foster collaborative relationships across the team and company and engage in a positive and exciting work environment
• Manage projects, objectives, and timelines within the RNA Discovery team; communicate findings in various forums across the company
• Provide career development opportunities to a team of scientists, manage relationships, and support growth through mentorship

• Ph.D. in molecular biology or related field with 10+ years of industry experience
• Demonstrated managerial experience leading a diverse scientific and technical background team with an emphasis on resource/timeline management to meet team objectives
• Strong track record of productivity in RNA research with experience in using cutting-edge technologies to investigate RNA structure and function relationship
• Broad knowledge in RNA biology, such as RNA sequence and structure principles, RNA innate immunology, translation initiation mechanisms, splicing, RNA modifications, and cellular RNA metabolism
• Proven track record of collaboration and positive influence across the organization at all levels
• Demonstrated ability to present complex technical topics to a wide range of audiences with varying technical depth
• Experience working with and engineering synthetic long or short RNA

What We Offer:

At our RNA Venture, we aim to outmatch the typical benefits you might see in an early startup. We offer:

• Financial security through competitive compensation, incentives, and retirement plan
• Health care and well-being programs including competitive medical, dental, vision & medical benefits
• Generous paid time off including vacation, sick time, holidays, and winter shutdown
• 401(k) retirement savings with a generous company match
• Commuter benefits
• Other comprehensive voluntary benefits include but are not limited to pet insurance, life insurance, employee assistance program (EAP), discount programs, and many more
• We continue to optimize our benefits & wellness programs as we grow our organization to make sure they meet our diverse workforce needs
• The stability of a startup backed by a company with a record of strong financial performance year over year

About Fapon Biotech

Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Guangdong, China, Fapon Group is mainly engaged in product R&D and services of in vitro diagnostics (IVD), biological therapies, and precision diagnostics and treatments. With our core value of "foresee and prepare for what the future demands", Fapon has historically focused on three major businesses: raw material solutions, IVD ecosystem platform service, and intelligent digital diagnosis and treatment. Fapon’s recent expansion into therapeutics was recently marked by success with the receipt of IND approval from the FDA for a differentiated CD47 antibody drug, the first in an a rapidly expanding therapeutics effort.

With a global footprint, Fapon has established major production and sales (R&D) bases in Beijing, Shenzhen, Shanghai, the United States, Germany, India and other locations throughout the world, forming a global R&D, production, marketing, and service network with products being widely sold in 61 countries and regions.

You can learn more about us by visiting https://en.faponbiotech.com

An equal opportunity employer, Fapon welcomes and encourages diversity in our workforce.