Discovery Postdoctoral Fellow, saRNA Biology
Novartis
August 15, 2026
On-site
Cambridge, MA
Clinical Research and Development
Key Responsibilities:
- Design and execute an independent research program on saRNA-mediated gene activation and improved saRNA design principles.
- Design, prioritize, and evaluate saRNA libraries targeting a therapeutically relevant model gene.
- Assess saRNA activity in cellular systems using molecular/biochemical assays.
- Identify features of functional saRNAs and productive gene activation.
- Conduct mechanistic studies to define the molecular basis of saRNA-mediated transcriptional activation.
- Evaluate translatability across cell-based and physiologically relevant model systems; assess generalizability across multiple gene targets.
- Collaborate across RNA biology, genomics, oligonucleotide therapeutics, and drug discovery; analyze/interpret/communicate complex datasets.
- Publish in peer-reviewed journals and present internally/externally.
Essential Requirements:
- PhD (or equivalent) in molecular biology, genomics, biochemistry, chemical biology, or related field, completed prior to fellowship start (PhD conferred in 2026 only).
- Demonstrated scientific achievement (publications/presentations/patents).
- Strong commitment to learning and professional development.
- Strong experimental background in RNA biology/gene regulation/transcriptional control/epigenetics/oligonucleotide therapeutics.
- Hands-on mammalian cell culture and assays (e.g., qPCR, Western blotting, RNA knockdown/perturbation, reporter assays).
- Ability to design rigorous experiments, troubleshoot, and interpret data hypothesis-driven.
- Strong written/verbal communication and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Desirable Requirements:
- Mechanistic genomics/chromatin approaches (e.g., ChIP, RIP, RACE, RNA-seq).
- Computational/bioinformatics experience integrating multi-modal data.
How to Apply:
- Submit CV and cover letter by August 17, 2026; describe research interests, career aspirations, and how the program supports long-term development.
Compensation & Benefits:
- Starting salary: $87,000/year.
- Comprehensive benefits (health, life/disability, 401(k) match) and time off (vacation, personal days, holidays, other leaves).
- Design and execute an independent research program on saRNA-mediated gene activation and improved saRNA design principles.
- Design, prioritize, and evaluate saRNA libraries targeting a therapeutically relevant model gene.
- Assess saRNA activity in cellular systems using molecular/biochemical assays.
- Identify features of functional saRNAs and productive gene activation.
- Conduct mechanistic studies to define the molecular basis of saRNA-mediated transcriptional activation.
- Evaluate translatability across cell-based and physiologically relevant model systems; assess generalizability across multiple gene targets.
- Collaborate across RNA biology, genomics, oligonucleotide therapeutics, and drug discovery; analyze/interpret/communicate complex datasets.
- Publish in peer-reviewed journals and present internally/externally.
Essential Requirements:
- PhD (or equivalent) in molecular biology, genomics, biochemistry, chemical biology, or related field, completed prior to fellowship start (PhD conferred in 2026 only).
- Demonstrated scientific achievement (publications/presentations/patents).
- Strong commitment to learning and professional development.
- Strong experimental background in RNA biology/gene regulation/transcriptional control/epigenetics/oligonucleotide therapeutics.
- Hands-on mammalian cell culture and assays (e.g., qPCR, Western blotting, RNA knockdown/perturbation, reporter assays).
- Ability to design rigorous experiments, troubleshoot, and interpret data hypothesis-driven.
- Strong written/verbal communication and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Desirable Requirements:
- Mechanistic genomics/chromatin approaches (e.g., ChIP, RIP, RACE, RNA-seq).
- Computational/bioinformatics experience integrating multi-modal data.
How to Apply:
- Submit CV and cover letter by August 17, 2026; describe research interests, career aspirations, and how the program supports long-term development.
Compensation & Benefits:
- Starting salary: $87,000/year.
- Comprehensive benefits (health, life/disability, 401(k) match) and time off (vacation, personal days, holidays, other leaves).