Senior Scientist, mRNA Design & Platform Innovation

About the role

You will architect and implement next-generation mRNA architectures that define the frontiers of Prime Editing capability, owning the design logic for RNA components from concept through translation. You will lead discovery initiatives that uncover structure-function principles across Prime Editing systems, converting mechanistic insights into platform design rules. You will serve as the central RNA biology authority within cross-functional programs, shaping experimental strategy for both internal teams and external collaborators. You will drive the creation of novel delivery modalities focused initially on extrahepatic lung targeting, ensuring platform innovations are compatible with in vivo therapeutic goals. You will translate complex biological hypotheses into rigorously tested molecular designs, where each experiment directly informs platform optimization. You will mentor scientific thinking and experimental execution across the team, elevating the overall quality and impact of the science. You will own key platform milestones and contribute to strategic decisions that define which therapeutic directions become reality.

Key facts

What you'll do

Architect mRNA architectures for Prime Editing applications, designing UTR sequences, open reading frame codon usage, cap structures, poly(A) tail configurations, and RNA secondary structure to maximize expression, stability, translational efficiency, and in vivo performance.

Design and execute targeted experiments that dissect structure-function relationships across Prime Editing system components, generating high-quality, interpretable data that directly guides platform-level design decisions.

Lead discovery efforts for novel therapeutic approaches and platform capabilities unlocked by Prime Editing, defining projects that extend beyond core mRNA design into new modalities and applications.

Partner with Computational Biology, Technical Development, and program teams to align platform advances with program-specific needs, including translating discoveries into Development Candidate nominations.

Collaborate with external collaborators and contract research organizations to execute focused studies that de-risk platform innovations and accelerate program timelines.

Define and own the experimental roadmap for extrahepatic lung delivery, ensuring RNA designs are optimized for in vivo performance in this critical target tissue.

Translate complex biological insights into standardized design principles, creating reusable knowledge that scales across programs and therapeutic areas.

Represent Prime Medicine in scientific forums and cross-functional reviews, articulating the rationale and impact of platform-driven innovations to diverse stakeholders.

Champion rigorous experimental practices, clear data interpretation, and rapid iteration to maintain the highest standards of scientific excellence.

Take ownership of project outcomes, troubleshooting failures, refining hypotheses, and driving experiments to closure with clear, actionable results.

Requirements

Demonstrated expertise in mRNA design and engineering, with a strong track record of applying principles of RNA structure, stability, and translation to complex biological systems.

Exceptional command of molecular biology and gene editing technologies, with hands-on experience designing and testing genetic systems at the nucleotide level.

Strong background in biochemistry and molecular biology, including mechanistic understanding of nucleic acid chemistry, ribonucleoprotein behavior, and cellular pathways relevant to gene editing.

Proven ability to design and execute experiments that generate clean, quantitative data, using controls and orthogonal methods to validate findings.

Exceptional problem-solving skills, with the ability to integrate disparate data points, refine hypotheses, and iterate on experimental approaches in a fast-paced environment.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of translating deep scientific concepts into clear, actionable guidance for cross-functional teams.

Strong collaborative mindset, with experience working effectively in matrixed, cross-functional environments and managing priorities across multiple initiatives.

Commitment to rigorous science, meticulous documentation, and adherence to best practices in experimental design, data integrity, and reproducibility.

Nice to have

Experience with advanced in vitro translation or RNA stability assays relevant to mRNA performance.

Prior exposure to gene editing technologies, including but not limited to CRISPR and base editing, with an understanding of comparative approaches.

Experience working with in vivo delivery systems, particularly those relevant to lung or extrahepatic targeting.

Familiarity with contract research organization workflows and collaborative project management in a biotechnology context.

Practical notes

This role is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and requires eligibility to work in the United States without sponsorship for this position. The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, during core business hours. Travel may be required for scientific meetings, collaborations, or regulatory activities as needed. This role is not eligible for remote or hybrid arrangements. Candidates must comply with all company policies regarding confidentiality and intellectual property. Only candidates who meet the stated requirements will be considered for interview.