Scientist, RNA Therapeutics

Company: Sculpta Bio
Location: San Francisco
Posted on: May 24, 2025

Job Description:

Apply to join Sculpta Bio, an ambitious early-stage biotech pioneering RNA-based therapeutics for neurological and psychiatric disorders. As a bench scientist, you'll directly contribute to target validation, drug discovery, and scientific strategy. If you thrive in fast-paced environments and are motivated by the urgency of improving human health, we want you on our team.Who We AreSculpta is a science-first biotech developing RNA-based neurotherapeutics to modulate disease-associated biological pathways with higher precision and efficacy. Our CEO is a former Stanford University Assistant Professor and physician-scientist (MD/PhD) with publications in Nature, Cell, Science, etc. Our team includes accomplished scientists with expertise in RNA biology, brain organoids, transcriptomics, and machine learning. Backed by VCs with an oversubscribed pre-seed round in March 2025, we're building an innovative platform to drive translational discovery.Who Are YouWe're looking for someone eager to contribute meaningfully and grow with the company. Ideal candidates will:

• Be passionate about RNA biology and its therapeutic potential-including ASOs, siRNAs, mRNA, aptamers, and RNA conjugates
• Have experience in biotech and understand the preclinical development process from early discovery through IND-enabling studies
• Enjoy working at the bench and contributing to a focused, mission-driven team
• Be motivated by patient impact and the discipline that comes with translational goals
• Have the ability to lead strategy, manage projects, and mentor others
• Be excited to shape both the science and the culture of a growing companyWhy You Should Consider This RoleWe want you to feel confident about what it would be like to work here. Rather than speak in generalities, we thought it would be more useful to share the reasons our team chose to join Sculpta:
  • Exciting and rigorous science. We're combining computational biology, stem-cell derived brain models, and RNA therapeutics in new and powerful ways. There's real depth and breadth here, backed up by scientists with track records of success.
  • Real ownership. You'll lead programs, contribute to strategic decisions, and run experiments end-to-end.
  • A great lab environment. We're based at MBC BioLabs on Mississippi Street, a well-equipped incubator at the center of the city's biotech ecosystem. The building is recently renovated and located in a sunny part of San Francisco in Mission Bay.
  • Shared values. We value communication, high standards, and mutual support. We take our science seriously as much as building a strong team.
  • Strong compensation and benefits. This includes competitive salary, equity, and full healthcare coverage for employees.What You'll DoYou'll lead hands-on bench research with an emphasis on experimental design, assay development, and translational relevance on site. You'll work closely with a small, experienced team of scientists.Key responsibilities:
    • Design and execute studies on target biology, mechanisms of action, and RNA modulation in stem cell-derived brain modelsDevelop and troubleshoot assays with a focus on reproducibility and downstream applicability
    • Collaborate with computational and cell biology colleagues to translate transcriptomic insights into bench strategies
    • Present findings regularly and help shape team directionManage lab operations related to your work: timelines, reagent planning, CRO coordination
    • Stay current with literature and propose new approaches based on emerging science.Required Qualifications
      • PhD in a life sciences discipline with 2+ years of experience, or MS with 4+ years of relevant industry experience
      • Deep understanding of RNA biology, molecular biology, and neurobiology
      • Experience with RNA therapeutics (e.g., siRNA, ASOs, mRNA, aptamers, LNPs) and familiarity with the landscape of approved RNA therapeutics and major companies
      • Proficiency in:
      • Cell culture and aseptic technique
      • RNA and protein extraction, quantification
      • cDNA synthesis, qPCR, RT-PCR
      • Western blot, ELISA, FACS
      • Bacterial prep, cloning, and plasmid purification
      • Experience with single-cell RNA-seq workflows (e.g., 10x Genomics, Parse Biosciences)
      • Familiarity with image and data analysis tools (FIJI/ImageJ, GraphPad Prism)
      • Strong organizational skills, record-keeping, and communicationPreferred Qualifications
        • Biotech experience contributing to IND-enabling studies
        • Familiarity with human stem cell-derived brain organoids and neurobiology assays
        • Comfortable interpreting transcriptomic data and collaborating with computational teams
        • Understanding of mouse model design and in vivo readouts
        • Experience managing CROs or external workflows
        • Interest in how human genetics informs neuropsychiatric disease mechanisms
        • Proven ability to lead projects, mentor others, and shape scientific directionCompensation & Benefits:
          • Title: Associate Scientist, Scientist I/II or Senior Scientist+, depending on qualifications
          • Salary Range: $100,000 to $150,000, depending on qualifications
          • Additional Equity Compensation
          • Health Coverage: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
          • 100% of employee premiums covered
          • 50% of dependent premiums covered
          • Performance-based growth: Promotions and added benefits tied to company and individual milestones

Keywords: Sculpta Bio, Watsonville , Scientist, RNA Therapeutics, Other , San Francisco, California