Scientist/Senior Scientist, Biology Lead โ Kidney Experience
About the Role
We are seeking a highly motivated, hands-on, and scientifically rigorous Scientist/Senior Scientist with deep expertise in both in vitro and in vivo kidney biology, renal disease mechanisms, and translationally relevant kidney disease models to build and lead our kidney biology engine at a venture-backed startup biotech company. This individual will play a foundational role in establishing integrated in vitro and in vivo kidney research platforms that enable target discovery, mechanistic validation, therapeutic screening, and development candidate nomination for next-generation targeted genetic medicines.
Our therapeutic focus is on kidney diseases leveraging our novel ligand-guided siRNA delivery platform. The ideal candidate combines extensive bench expertise in renal cellular biology, kidney disease models, in vivo pharmacology/efficacy studies, and translational assay development, with a strong builder mentality suited for a fast-paced, venture-backed startup.
This is an unique opportunity to shape core scientific capabilities, work closely with executive leadership, and directly impact therapeutic programs from target discovery through preclinical development. This position is primarily on-site in Boston, MA.
Key Responsibilities
Kidney Biology Engine Development (Primary Focus)
ยทย ย ย ย Build and lead the internal kidney biology platform spanning both in vitro and in vivo capabilities to support discovery and development of renal-targeted therapeutics
ยทย ย ย ย Establish, optimize, and scale kidney disease-relevant cellular, molecular, and animal models
ยทย ย ย ย Develop robust, scalable bioassays and experimental workflows to support:
รผย Kidney target biology validation
รผย Receptor expression, trafficking, and internalization characterization
รผย Ligand discovery and screening
รผย LigandโsiRNA conjugate uptake, endosomal escape, and functional knockdown
รผย In vivo PK/PD, biodistribution, efficacy, and biomarker analyses
ยทย ย ย ย Design mechanistic assays and translational studies for kidney disease pathways relevant to therapeutic targets
Program Execution
ยทย ย ย ย Design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret complex in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies across multiple kidney disease programs
ยทย ย ย ย Generate high-quality data packages to support discovery decisions, target prioritization, and development candidate nomination
ยทย ย ย ย Drive scientific rigor in assay reproducibility, translational relevance, and platform scalability
In Vivo Biology and Translational Leadership
ยทย ย ย ย Lead or significantly contribute to in vivo kidney disease studies, including efficacy, biodistribution, PK/PD, and mechanistic studies
ยทย ย ย ย Support selection, management, and interpretation of external CRO or academic in vivo studies
ยทย ย ย ย Integrate in vitro and in vivo findings to refine therapeutic hypotheses, delivery strategies, and biomarker plans
ยทย ย ย ย Contribute to translational biology strategy supporting future IND-enabling development
Cross-functional Leadership
ยทย ย ย ย Serve as a scientific leader across biology, platform, and therapeutic program needs
ยทย ย ย ย Collaborate closely with chemistry, delivery, translational, regulatory, and external teams
ยทย ย ย ย Help define scientific strategy for kidney therapeutic programs and platform evolution
Data, Communication, and Documentation
ยทย ย ย ย Maintain rigorous industry standard ELN documentation
ยทย ย ย ย Present findings to internal research team, leadership & external partners
ยทย ย ย ย Contribute to patents, publications, study reports, and data presentations
Required Qualifications
ยทย ย ย ย PhD in Nephrology, Renal Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, or related field with 3โ8+ years of relevant postdoctoral and/or industry experience
ยทย ย ย ย Deep expertise and extensive hands-on bench experience in both in vitro and in vivo kidney biology, kidney disease mechanisms, and translational renal models
ยทย ย ย ย Strong technical expertise in mammalian cell culture (including different kidney cells), qPCR/RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, ELISA/MSD, Western blot, immunostaining, advanced imaging, and functional assay development
ยทย ย ย ย Excellent scientific communication, problem-solving, and collaborative skills
Preferred Qualifications
ยทย ย ย ย Hands-on experience in kidney therapeutics, nephrology, or precision medicine
ยทย ย ย ย Direct experience with renal efficacy studies, PK/PD, biodistribution, or translational biomarker programs
ยทย ย ย ย Experience with siRNA, ASO, mRNA, or nucleic acid therapeutics
ยทย ย ย ย Experience with ligand-mediated or receptor-targeted delivery systems
ยทย ย ย ย Prior startup biotech experienceย
What We Are Looking For
ยทย ย ย ย Builder mindset with excitement to create new platform
ยทย ย ย ย Hands-on leader who enjoys bench work
ยทย ย ย ย Strong problem solver comfortable with ambiguity in a startup environment
ยทย ย ย ย Collaborative team player