Senior Research Associate/Associate Scientist

About Sail:

Sail Biomedicines is pioneering the integrative design and deployment of fully programmable medicines to transform patient care. Sail’s platform combines first-in-class programmable circular RNA technology (Endless RNA™ or eRNA), and an industry-leading platform of programmable nanoparticles, utilizing natural components, to unlock comprehensive programming of medicines for the first time. By leveraging cutting-edge eRNA and nanoparticle deployment technology, Sail is also making unparalleled use of AI techniques to identify and design fully programmable medicines that are potent, targeted, versatile, and tunable. Sail was founded by Flagship Pioneering.

The Role:

Sail Biomedicines is seeking a motivated Senior Research Associate / Scientist I to join our Vaccines,Immunoassay & Pharmacology team. This role will develop, optimize, and execute bioassays to characterize biological activity, mechanism, and immune responses for candidates enabled by Sail’s eRNA™ delivery platform, supporting in vivo PK/PD, toxicology, and translational decision-making.

This is a lab-based, onsite role with substantial hands-on experimental work, collaborative problem-solving, and close partnership with cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate brings strong experience in mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry, serology/immunoassays (e.g., ELISA/MSD), qPCR, and excellent scientific documentation. You will generate high-quality data, troubleshoot assays, and contribute to advancing Sail’s platform and pipeline.

Responsibilities:

Bioassay Development & Execution

• Develop, optimize, and execute cell-based and immunoassay workflows to support PK/PD, tox, and pharmacology readouts (e.g., potency/functional assays, biomarker assays, serology).
• Design and build multiparameter flow cytometry panels (marker selection, titrations, controls, compensation, gating strategy) for in vivo study sample analysis.
• Develop and run serology assays (e.g., binding antibody, neutralization/surrogate neutralization where applicable, cytokine/chemokine readouts) using ELISA, MSD, or related platforms.
• Qualify/validate assays as appropriate: establish accuracy/precision, sensitivity, range, robustness, and implement cross-study controls and reference standards.
• Own assay readiness: generate SOPs, templates, and training materials; ensure reproducibility and knowledge transfer.

Sample Operations & Study Support

• Coordinate sample receipt, accessioning, and tracking from internal studies and CRO-supported work; maintain chain-of-custody, storage conditions, and inventory.
• Perform sample processing (e.g., PBMC isolation, plasma/serum handling), ensuring consistency and biosafety compliance.

Data, Documentation & Collaboration

• Analyze, interpret, and summarize data; maintain rigorous records in ELN and associated databases.
• Present findings internally (lab meetings, project teams) with clear conclusions, limitations, and next steps.
• Partner with Biology, Analytics, and Computational/AI teams to define assay requirements, experimental design, and data structure/metadata.
• Contribute to reports, tech memos, and experiments that support IP and regulatory-facing documentation where relevant.
• Manage multiple concurrent experiments while maintaining high standards for lab safety, quality, and timelines.

Required Qualifications:

• B.S. or M.S. in Immunology, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, or related field.
• 2–4+ years relevant laboratory experience (industry preferred).
• Hands-on experience with flow cytometry and mammalian cell culture; experience with one or more of: PBMC isolation, primary cell handling, qPCR, ELISA/MSD, or related immunoassays.
• Working knowledge of assay development principles (controls, standard curves, variability, qualification/validation concepts).
• Strong experimental design and troubleshooting skills; able to optimize protocols and document changes clearly.
• Excellent organization and time management; able to prioritize and execute in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written/verbal communication, including presenting data and writing concise summaries.
• Self-directed, collaborative, detail-oriented; demonstrates scientific curiosity and integrity.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with non-human primate (NHP) samples and associated biosafety practices.
• Basic working knowledge of biostatistics (e.g., variability, curve fitting, outlier handling, assay acceptance criteria).
• Experience with FlowJo, GraphPad Prism, and Microsoft Office (Excel/PowerPoint); familiarity with ELN best practices.
• Experience in a matrixed project environment supporting multiple programs.

Salary Range: $80,000 - $115,000

Sail Biomedicines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Sail does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.