Senior Scientist

Senior Scientist – RNA Manufacturing

Eclipse Bioinnovations is seeking a Research Associate to join our team in San Diego. Eclipse Bioinnovations is a rapidly growing RNA-centric biotech company. We design, build, and characterize RNA for our partners to ensure success of new RNA medicines. As a small company, everyone on our team plays a key role and is expected to make a significant contribution to our growth and success.

Eclipsebio is seeking a Senior Scientist to lead and grow our RNA manufacturing function. This is a fully on-site, hands-on leadership role responsible for the end-to-end production of high-quality RNA materials supporting partner programs and internal initiatives. The Senior Scientist will own the RNA manufacturing workflow from DNA template assembly through final RNA product delivery, and will directly manage one Research Associate II. The successful candidate brings deep technical expertise in molecular cloning, in vitro transcription, and RNA purification, and is equally capable of driving operational excellence and mentoring junior staff.

Summary

Title

Senior Scientist

Department

RNA Manufacturing

Location

San Diego

Job Type

Full-time

Job description

RNA Manufacturing

  • Own and execute end-to-end RNA manufacturing workflows, from DNA template design and assembly through in vitro transcription, purification, and analytical QC
  • Design DNA fragments and assemble constructs for IVT template production using E. coli-based cloning and Gibson assembly
  • Execute and continuously optimize in vitro transcription reactions for production of mRNA, sgRNA, and other RNA modalities
  • Perform downstream RNA purification using appropriate methods including LiCl or ethanol precipitation, HPLC, and/or size-exclusion approaches
  • Conduct analytical characterization of RNA products to assess yield, purity, integrity, and identity using tools such as TapeStation, Bioanalyzer, capillary electrophoresis, and HPLC
  • Analyze plasmid QC sequencing data from Sanger and Oxford Nanopore (ONT) workflows to confirm construct sequence identity and integrity prior to IVT
  • Lead processing of large-volume and technically complex partner RNA manufacturing runs, ensuring quality, reproducibility, and on-time delivery

Process Development and Continuous Improvement

  • Identify and drive process improvements across RNA manufacturing workflows, with a focus on scalability, reproducibility, and efficiency
  • Develop, refine, and document SOPs for all manufacturing processes to ensure consistency and facilitate knowledge transfer
  • Troubleshoot manufacturing failures and implement robust, documented solutions
  • Evaluate and qualify new reagents, equipment, and methods to expand or improve manufacturing capabilities

Team Leadership and Mentorship

  • Directly manage and mentor one Research Associate II, providing day-to-day technical guidance, performance feedback, and support for professional development
  • Assign and prioritize work for direct report in alignment with project timelines and manufacturing commitments
  • Foster a culture of rigor, accountability, and continuous improvement within the manufacturing team
  • Provide hands-on training to new staff on established manufacturing protocols as the team grows

Cross-Functional Support

  • Collaborate with R&D scientists to support the translation of new RNA construct designs into manufacturable materials, and provide input on design-for-manufacturability considerations
  • Partner with commercial and operations teams to ensure timely delivery of RNA materials for partner projects

Requirements

  • Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, RNA Biology, or a closely related field; or M.S. with 5+ years of relevant industry experience
  • Extensive hands-on experience with DNA template assembly, including E. coli-based plasmid production and Gibson assembly
  • Demonstrated expertise in in vitro transcription, including optimization of IVT conditions for yield, purity, and product integrity
  • Experience with RNA purification methods (e.g., LiCl or ethanol precipitation, HPLC, affinity-based, or size-exclusion chromatography)
  • Proficiency with RNA analytical QC methods (e.g., TapeStation, Bioanalyzer, capillary electrophoresis, HPLC or sequencing)
  • Strong foundational knowledge of RNA biology, including transcription, RNA processing, and RNA stability
  • Prior experience supervising, managing, or formally mentoring laboratory staff
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts clearly across teams
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple manufacturing projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment

This is a fully on-site role based in San Diego, CA. Eclipsebio employees are expected to maintain a minimum 40-hour work week, with the understanding that occasional additional hours may be required to meet project deadlines. Beyond technical contributions, we expect every team member to be hardworking, resourceful, and genuinely invested in the success of the company. We value collaboration, open communication, and a solutions-oriented attitude.

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Experience manufacturing RNA therapeutics including mRNA, sgRNA, or other modalities used in gene editing or cell therapy programs
  • Familiarity with sequencing-based QC workflows (Sanger and/or ONT) for confirming plasmid construct integrity
  • Experience with capping, polyadenylation, or other co- or post-transcriptional modifications relevant to RNA therapeutics
  • Background in a CRO, CDMO, or regulated manufacturing environment
  • Exposure to NGS-based RNA characterization methods

Benefits and Salary

Salary Range: $120,000 – $150,000

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Paid time off

We offer competitive salary commensurate with candidate’s experience, and an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401K and paid time off.

 

Ready to join Eclipsebio? Apply with a CV and cover letter to jobs@eclipsebio.com with SSRM26 in the subject line.

Eclipsebio is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. To learn more about our hiring process click here.