As a Scientist in the Sirius biology group, you will be a key contributor to a diverse team working on novel siRNA modalities as well as in vitro assays and in vivo measurements of drug activity. The ideal candidate will have experience of experience of siRNA/Oligo therapeutics, molecular biology, cell biology and in vivo assays. in this role you will work closely with colleagues to develop new drug designs developed by Sirius as well as to validate compounds. You will be supporting the development of the next generation of RNA drugs and ensuring that the current generation reach the patients that need them.We are looking for innovators, thinkers and doers.

• Be one of the first members of the biology team, helping to shape its culture and dynamic
  

• Perform experiments within the team: Execution, optimization and understanding of protocols for protein chemistry and target validation, such as RT-PCR, SDS-PAGE, ELISA, western blots
  

• Clearly document experimental workflows and results; Communicate findings to the team and management when required
  

• Organize/assembly appropriate materials, independently design, supervise and execute advance principles of molecular cloning for expression vectors (Gateway, Gibson assembly, Lentiviral & Adenoviral vectors generation)
  

• Supervise and execute viral particles generation and viral transduction of mammalian cells.
  

• Oversee day to day lab tasks
  

• Independently design, perform and/or supervise in vitro siRNA cytotoxicity cell-based assays.
  

• Independently search the literature for experiment and research design along with Senior/Principal Scientist.
  

• Development, optimization, and troubleshooting of methods to screen and characterize activity of siRNA/RNA/antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs)
  

• Development and optimization of in vitro RNA techniques (biotin RNA pull downs, RNA-IP, CLIP assays)
  

• Research and development of in vitro assays to evaluate impact of siRNA/antisense oligonucleotides on RNA transcripts, protein expression, and other project-specific assays
  

• Apply molecular and cell-based assays including but not limited to RNA transfection, RNA-silencing, RNA & protein isolation, gene expression analysis (RT-qPCR), western blot, and fluorescence immunocytochemistry
  

• Supervise and mentor Research associates within the Biology team
  

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Ability to adapt to change and thrive in a dynamic and entrepreneurial early-stage environment.
  
• PhD degree: relevant life sciences discipline (e.g. Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry)
• 1+ years of relevant laboratory experience
• Familiarity with siRNA, ASOs and gene silencing
• Familiarity with automation of lab activities
• Biotech experience is strongly preferred.
• Excellent critical thinking and reasoning skills
• Ability to independently design experiments, analyze complex data and interpret and present experimental results, required
• Excellent verbal and written English communication
• Excellent mathematical and computation skills
• Understanding and experience in performing genome-wide transcriptomic assays (RNA-sequencing)
  
• Strong background in molecular biology and RNA metabolism regulation; cancer biology background is preferred.
  
• In vivo experience; cancer biology in vivo background is preferred
  

• Proven expertise in RNAi space

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This will be a laboratory and office-based position that will require some non-standard working hours including early morning or later evening teleconferences to support global company programs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The employee will be required to communicate using telephone and e-mail.
  
• Employee is frequently required to stand; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Sirius Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer.