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Principal/Senior Scientist, mRNA Engineering

NewLimit· Technical Operations
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South San Francisco, CA$170k - $200kFull-timePosted 6mo ago

About the role

Principal/Senior Scientist to drive mRNA process development and engineering, owning mRNA process development from research-scale to external GMP manufacturing; hands-on role optimizing IVT and purification workflows and building the mRNA Process Sciences team.

Responsibilities

  • Establish and lead the mRNA process development capabilities at NewLimit, optimizing IVT yield and downstream purification recovery for preclinical programs.
  • Manage tech transfer and scale-up activities at external CDMOs for GLP and GMP mRNA production.
  • Partner with analytical team to formalize internal drug substance analytical methods.
  • Lead the mRNA platform production team, establishing a workflow for supplying research-grade mRNA for in vivo and in vitro studies.
  • Stay current on emerging mRNA design and manufacturing techniques, proactively bringing new approaches to NewLimit.
  • Build the mRNA Process Sciences team within Technical Operations.

Qualifications

  • PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience (5+ years).
  • Hands-on experience optimizing IVT reactions and familiarity with scaling mRNA production (>10 mL scale).
  • Hands-on experience optimizing column chromatography purification steps (i.e., oligo-dT) on AKTA systems.
  • Proficient in designing and executing UFDF/TFF steps.
  • Experience managing external CDMOs, through process development and GMP manufacturing.
  • Ability to perform and interpret basic mRNA analytical assays (Fragment Analyzer/TapeStation, restriction-digest + AGE, IP-RP-HPLC).
  • Strong analytical skills and demonstrated ability to structure and interpret quantitative process data to guide decisions.
  • Strong written communication skills and experience writing detailed technical reports and standardized protocols.

Skills

Required:IVT optimizationColumn chromatography purification (oligo-dT)UFDF/TFFCDMO management

Benefits

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid parental leave
  • Industry-leading paid time off (PTO) — 20 days/year for all employees + holidays
  • Meals and snacks on-site
Last updated Oct 22, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About NewLimit

Extending human healthspan

NewLimit is extending human healthspan by unlocking regenerative potential.

reprogrammingepigeneticsmedicineaginglongevity
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