About Alltrna
Alltrna is the world's first tRNA platform company to decipher tRNA biology and pioneer tRNA therapeutics to treat thousands of diseases. Alltrna unlocks tRNA biology to correct disease. The company's platform incorporates AI/ML tools to learn the tRNA language and deliver diverse programmable molecules with broad therapeutic potential. Alltrna has an unprecedented opportunity to advance a single tRNA medicine to unify treatment across a wide range of diseases with the same underlying genetic mutation. Alltrna was founded in 2018 by Flagship Pioneering. For more info, visit www.alltrna.com.
About The Role
Come join us-Alltrna is looking for an inclusive leader to build the analytical development team within our growing tRNA CMC Group. The candidate will work internally with discovery scientists on the development of fit-for-purpose characterization methods for the QC of preclinical tRNA materials including lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations and with external development partners on more extensive analytical methods for the characterization of materials for clinical manufacturing. In addition, the analytical lead will be responsible for establishing the internal analytical lab instrument infrastructure and capabilities, recruitment of staff and the design of tRNA drug substance and drug product control strategies for manufacturing processes supporting Alltrna's growing pipeline.
If you like a fast-paced, science driven research environment discovering how a new therapeutic modality can be shaped to meet the needs of patients suffering from serious underserved diseases- this is the role for you. You get to be part of the team that writes the analytical playbook for developing tRNA molecules and you will be critical not only in ensuring that we can understand the impurity profiles of our tRNA molecules but also in defining how we build control strategies with chemists and engineers to drive manufacturing for our clinical programs. We operate in an open and inclusive learning environment and need nimble thinkers who can chart courses and plan experiments based upon the data that we generate together.
Core Responsibilities
- Characterization of tRNA oligonucleotides and their degradation products by a variety of analytical techniques (i.e., UHPLC, LC-MS, IEX, SEC, CGE, CD, viscometry, osmolality, elemental analysis, GC-MS etc.) and familiarity with Waters, Agilent HPLCs and associated software.
- Recruit and grow a team of analytical scientists to support the development of drug substance and drug product manufacturing processes for the preclinical and clinical pipeline. Ability to provide direction, guidance, and mentoring to a team of scientists and build a highly capable analytical lab function with supporting instrumentation (LC-MS, Nanodrop, etc.).
- Development of analytical methods used in the characterization of LNP formulations for pharmaceutical products including the design and execution of stability protocols.
- Support the transfer of technology to external CROs and establish QC practices to enable eventual cGMP manufacturing that include process control strategies (including specification setting), amidite characterization, impurity identification and quantification, and process sample analysis for troubleshooting and development.
Qualifications and Skills
- PhD with 10+ years of direct experience in analytical development for oligonucleotide/RNA therapeutics (Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or a related discipline)
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with emphasis on effective presentations and publications
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to administer a project to ensure timely completions (including budgets, timelines, milestone tracking, etc.)
- Highly skilled in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other tools. Knowledge of statistical software and applications for design of experiments and process modeling.
What We'll Offer You:
- Comprehensive, competitive healthcare and dental coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield, vision coverage through VSP, family leave, paid time off, 401k retirement plan, disability and life insurance, and fully covered parking/commuter benefits.
- A dynamic early-stage work environment and highly interdisciplinary, talented, and collaborative team.
- Participation in an unprecedented opportunity to advance a single tRNA medicine to restore disrupted protein production, regardless of target, for thousands of diseases with the same underlying genetic mutation.
- Professional growth opportunities through mentoring, training, immersion in cross-functional projects, and opportunities to learn and try new things.
- Get to be part of the team that writes the analytical playbook for developing tRNA molecules and you will be critical not only in ensuring that we can understand the impurity profiles of our tRNA molecules but also in defining how we build control strategies with chemists and engineers to drive manufacturing for our clinical programs.
- Daily on-site snacks, cold brew coffee, and Bevi, as well as weekly catered lunches.
Our Core Values
Fast-acting/efficient. Moves quickly and proactively with a strong work ethic to produce high-quality results while fostering a positive work environment. Focuses on key priorities. Demonstrates tenacity and willingness to go the distance to get something done.
Integrity. Does not cut corners ethically. Earns trust and maintains confidences. Does what is right not just what is politically expedient. Speaks plainly and truthfully. Follows-through on commitments. Expects a high level of personal performance and team performance.
Critical thinking. Learns quickly. Demonstrates ability to proficiently understand new information and independently achieve meaningful outcomes. Able to structure and process qualitative/quantitative data and draw insightful conclusions.
Creativity & Innovation. Generates new and creative approaches to problem solving. Positive 'can-do' attitude. Views the toughest challenges as the greatest opportunities for personal growth and company innovation.
Teamwork. Fully engaged in facilitating personal and team success. Reaches out to peers and cooperates with the team to establish an overall collaborative work environment. Often solicits and responds well to constructive feedback. Possesses good written and oral communication skills with the ability to clearly and concisely convey ideas and opinions.
Flexibility/adaptability. Adjusts quickly to changing strategic and tactical priorities. Is comfortable 'wearing multiple hats'.
Flagship Pioneering and our ecosystem companies are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.
Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Flagship Pioneering and its affiliated Flagship Lab companies (collectively, "FSP") do not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to FSP or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Flagship Pioneering's internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of FSP, and FSP will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.