Research Associate, Analytical Development (RNA/LNP)

Location: Onsite in Seattle, Washington, United States

Salary range: $65,000–$80,000 annual total compensation, including bonus, depending on experience and qualifications.

Company

hirify.global is a biotechnology company providing research and development services and biological building blocks for healthcare and life-science applications.

What you will do

• Prepare RNA, oligonucleotide, lipid, LNP, antibody, and bioconjugate samples for analytical testing.
• Perform HPLC/UHPLC analyses, including sample and standard preparation, sequence setup, chromatogram review, peak integration, and initial data assessment.
• Support LC-MS characterization of RNA, oligonucleotides, synthetic cap analogs, lipids, and related materials, including sample preparation, spectral review, and data processing.
• Perform RNA and LNP analytical testing for concentration, purity, integrity, aggregation, lipid composition, and residual components.
• Execute nano flow-cytometry workflows, including fluorescent sample preparation, instrument QC, acquisition, gating, and targeted LNP characterization.
• Maintain laboratory records, process data, support SOPs and method transfer, troubleshoot instruments and workflows, and collaborate with R&D, QC, and Production.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
• 0–5 years of relevant academic or industry laboratory experience, preferably in analytical chemistry, biopharmaceutical characterization, nucleic acid analysis, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with HPLC/UHPLC and/or LC-MS, including sample preparation, established method execution, and basic chromatographic or analytical data review.
• Practical flow-cytometry experience, including fluorescent sample preparation, controls, data acquisition, and basic gating or data interpretation.
• Strong wet-lab skills in accurate pipetting, solution and buffer preparation, dilution calculations, sample handling, and contamination control.
• Ability to follow written procedures accurately and maintain clear, complete, and traceable laboratory records.
• Ability to use Microsoft Excel or similar tools to organize, analyze, and summarize experimental data.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, problem-solving ability, willingness to learn, and ability to manage multiple sample batches and priorities.
• Ability to communicate progress, results, and technical issues clearly and collaborate in a multidisciplinary R&D environment.

Nice to have

• Master’s degree in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related discipline.
• Experience with mRNA, circRNA, oligonucleotides, lipids, LNPs, antibodies, or bioconjugates.
• Experience with HPLC-CAD, SEC, ion-pair reversed-phase or ion-exchange chromatography, preparative HPLC, or RNA gel/capillary electrophoresis.
• Experience with LC-MS characterization of nucleic acids, oligonucleotides, cap structures, lipids, or related biomolecules.
• Experience with small-particle or nanoparticle flow cytometry, including platforms such as Beckman Coulter CytoFLEX nano.
• Familiarity with Agilent, Waters, or Thermo Scientific analytical instrumentation and software such as Empower, Xcalibur, BioPharma Finder, or CytExpert.
• Understanding of analytical method development, qualification, transfer, or troubleshooting in an R&D, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, CRO, or CDMO environment.

Culture & Benefits

• Onsite role at the Seattle site with cross-functional collaboration across R&D, QC, Production, and related teams.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus a 401(k) plan with company match fully vested on day one.
• Paid parental leave after three months and paid vacation, personal, sick, floating-holiday, and company-holiday time.
• Flexible spending and health savings accounts, disability and life insurance, legal assistance, supplemental insurance, commuter benefits, and well-being initiatives.
• Free colleague meals during shifts and onsite gyms.