Shape Therapeutics

ShapeTX® is pioneering the field of programmable RNA medicines to repair the genetic causes of diseases. By merging innovations in AI and RNA technology to generate and analyze hundreds of billions of therapeutic possibilities, ShapeTX is developing breakthroughs in RNA editing, next-generation AAVs, and disruptive gene therapy manufacturing. The ShapeTX platform enables pharma innovators to design treatments across a wide range of diseases, including rare genetic disorders as well as debilitating conditions, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and many more. You can find us at shapetx.com and on LinkedIn and Twitter.

At ShapeTX, we are a dynamic team of professionals who are dedicated and passionate about making cures a reality. Through diversity of thought, scientific knowledge, professional rigor and focus we are merging cutting-edge science with extensive drug development expertise to unlock cures to many debilitating diseases.

Shape Therapeutics is headquartered in Seattle, Washington with a satellite site in Boston, Massachusetts.

Position Overview 

ShapeTX is seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Associate/Associate Scientist (SRA/AS) to join our Research Technologies Team. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual with demonstrated molecular and cell biology expertise to contribute to the advancement of our RNAfixTM technology. In this role, you'll craft gene therapy payload designs, leveraging our cutting-edge automated gRNA screening platform to target a multitude of diseases and expand our clinical pipeline. Collaboration with AI and disease biology experts will be key as you employ a wide range of technical skills, including molecular biology, cell culture, and next-generation sequencing. Your detailed and meticulous execution of experiments and data collection will support AI model advancements, while your effective communication and meticulous lab management will contribute significantly to our advancing our RNAfix technology. This role presents a unique chance to join the critical core of our Research Technologies and contribute to groundbreaking biological applications addressing serious human diseases.

What You’ll Do

• Execute tissue culture and transfection to evaluate RNAfix™ payload effectiveness.
• Aid in expanding AI-driven gRNA design models through significant data generation.
• Conduct plasmid cloning and apply molecular biology techniques including DNA/RNA isolation, cDNA synthesis, and quantitative PCR methods.
• Perform sequencing (Sanger and NGS) to assess gRNA efficacy.
• Design and carry out well-controlled experiments, maintaining rigorous attention to detail.
• Work in sync with Research Therapeutics and Analytics and Informatics teams on payload evaluation.
• Present results clearly in both written and verbal formats.
• Manage time efficiently to adhere to project timelines.
• Keep a meticulous and current electronic lab notebook and assist in lab management and supply procurement.

What you Bring 

• B.S. degree in a relevant scientific discipline with over 4 years of experience or an M.S. with over 2 years (industry experience preferred).
• Proficient in cloning techniques (standard, Gibson, Golden Gate) and a wide range of molecular biology protocols (including DNA/RNA purification, various PCR methods, and NGS library prep).
• Skilled in mammalian cell culture and transfection, with a familiarity with high-throughput screening applications.
• Lab automation knowledge is advantageous.
• Good grasp of gene editing technologies and RNA handling.
• Proactive, solution-focused approach with a strong analytical mindset.
• Independent yet team-oriented, with excellent time management for multitasking.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to clear, proactive communication.

Compensation & Benefits 

ShapeTX offers a robust benefits package, including but not limited to: Medical, Dental and Vision coverage for employees and their eligible dependents. We provide eligible employees with 12 paid Holidays plus a one week winter break at year end. We are proud to offer a competitive paid parental leave benefit, an annual employee stipend for employees to use however they choose, a Flex Paid Time Off program (allowing flexible PTO for vacation, sick leave, and other purposes) and Company paid Long Term Disability. Employees are eligible to enroll in our Company’s voluntary 401k plan, voluntary Life/AD&D and Voluntary FSA’s. 

The salary range for the Senior Research Associate position is $72,000-$98,000 and the salary range for the Associate Scientist position is $82,000-$110,000. The hired applicant's placement within the range is based on qualifications and professional experience. Additional compensation may include annual target bonus and/or sign-on bonus, equity grant, and relocation bonus. 

We aspire to Shape Life! not only through our science, but also through our commitment to foster an inclusive environment that supports diverse perspectives and experiences.