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- Tasks: Lead siRNA development, collaborating across teams to drive innovative therapeutic programs.
- Company: Join a pioneering biotech firm focused on cutting-edge RNA therapeutics.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, health benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with cross-functional collaboration and leadership opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in the field of RNA therapeutics and advance your scientific career.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and extensive experience in siRNA therapeutics.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 ÂŁ per year.
We are seeking a Principal Scientist to drive siRNA lead development across multiple therapeutic programs. This role will guide the progression of siRNA candidates from sequence prioritisation through in vivo validation and candidate nomination. The successful candidate will work cross‑functionally with bioinformatics, chemistry, translational biology, and external CRO partners to design screening strategies, interpret complex datasets, and advance siRNA therapeutics toward development candidates. This is a scientific leadership role focused on experimental strategy, program advancement, and data‑driven decision making, rather than hands‑on laboratory work.
Key Responsibilities
- siRNA Lead Development & Optimisation
- Collaborate with bioinformatics teams to evaluate and prioritise siRNA sequences targeting disease‑relevant genes.
- Design screening strategies and experimental workflows to evaluate siRNA candidates in in vitro systems.
- Interpret screening results to identify potent and specific siRNA leads and guide progression of candidates.
- Oversee progression of prioritised siRNA candidates through in vivo validation in relevant disease models.
- Lead Optimisation & Candidate Advancement
- Work closely with chemistry teams to guide structure–activity relationship (SAR) optimisation to improve potency, stability, and delivery characteristics.
- Collaborate with bioinformatics scientists to assess and mitigate potential off‑target effects through computational and experimental approaches.
- Integrate data across in vitro and in vivo studies to prioritise candidates and support progression toward candidate nomination.
- Cross‑Functional Collaboration
- Coordinate siRNA activities across internal teams and external CRO partners.
- Manage and guide external CROs conducting screening and in vivo studies.
- Work closely with teams in bioinformatics, chemistry, pharmacology, translational biology, and disease biology to advance programs efficiently.
- Scientific Leadership
- Provide strategic input into siRNA screening strategies and therapeutic development approaches.
- Communicate program progress and scientific insights to internal stakeholders and leadership.
- Contribute to platform development and best practices for siRNA lead optimisation and development.
Person Specification
- PhD in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Neuroscience, or related field.
- Extensive experience in siRNA therapeutics in an industry setting.
- Demonstrated experience advancing siRNA programs through lead optimisation and ideally toward candidate nomination.
- Deep understanding of RNA interference biology and siRNA therapeutic development.
- Experience with siRNA sequence prioritisation and screening strategies.
- Experience interpreting in vitro and in vivo data supporting RNA therapeutics programs.
- Familiarity with siRNA chemistry and SAR optimisation strategies.
- Experience collaborating with bioinformatics teams to evaluate off‑target risks and sequence specificity.
Principal Scientist - siRNA Lead Development in Stevenage employer: Aerska
Contact Detail:
Aerska Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Scientist - siRNA Lead Development in Stevenage
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the siRNA field on LinkedIn or at industry events. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that Principal Scientist role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare to discuss your experience with siRNA therapeutics and how you’ve driven projects forward. We recommend having specific examples ready to demonstrate your leadership and strategic thinking.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses. We want you to feel confident discussing complex datasets and cross-functional collaboration during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. We’re excited to see how you can contribute to our siRNA lead development efforts!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Scientist - siRNA Lead Development in Stevenage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in siRNA therapeutics and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about siRNA lead development and how your expertise can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit: Since this role involves cross-functional collaboration, highlight any experiences where you’ve successfully worked with teams from different disciplines. We love seeing how you can bring people together to achieve common goals!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you into our system quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aerska
✨Know Your Science
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of siRNA therapeutics and RNA interference biology. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences in lead optimisation and candidate nomination, as well as any specific projects you've worked on that relate to the role.
✨Showcase Collaboration Skills
This role involves a lot of cross-functional teamwork, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with bioinformatics, chemistry, and other teams. Highlight any experience managing external CROs and how you ensured smooth communication and project progression.
✨Data Interpretation is Key
Since the role focuses on data-driven decision making, come equipped with examples of how you've interpreted complex datasets in past projects. Discuss your approach to evaluating siRNA candidates and how you’ve used data to guide your decisions.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is crucial for this position. Practice explaining your scientific insights and program progress in a clear and concise manner. Think about how you would present your findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.