Senior / Principal Scientist - RNA Delivery and in vivo Pharmacology

Company Profile

Darbix Biotech, Inc., a stealth mode startup biotechnology company based in Quebec, leverages chemistry and machine learning to develop next-in-class mRNA therapeutics. Darbix develops modified mRNAs that provide therapeutic solutions to clinical conditions difficult to address with existing technology. The novel technology from Darbix harnesses the powers of chemistry and machine learning to discover and develop therapeutics for rare genetic diseases, infectious diseases, and cancer. The Company is unlocking the potential to treat diseases currently unattainable with standard approaches.

Position Summary

Darbix seeks a highly skilled and motivated Senior Scientist / Principal Scientist – (dependent on experience) with deep expertise in mRNA molecular biology and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) production to join our growing research and development team in Montreal, Quebec. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading late-stage development, formulation, biochemical characterization, and biological testing of modified mRNA molecules to support the discovery and development of the Company's next-generation therapeutics. This includes mRNA synthesis and purification, LNP formulation, biophysical characterization, cellular assays and cellular target development. The ideal candidate will possess strong bioanalytical skills, hands-on experience with chromatographic and electrophoretic techniques, and a rigorous approach to data interpretation and quality assessment. Experience with in vivo studies is highly desired. This role is essential to advancing the Company’s modified mRNA-based therapeutic platforms and technologies

Key Responsibilities

· Provide leadership, mentorship, and day-to-day guidance to the laboratory team, ensuring clear priorities, high-quality scientific execution, and effective coordination across projects.

· Develop and execute purification workflows for mRNA, including chromatographic methods (e.g., capillary electrophoresis, size exclusion chromatography, gel electrophoresis).

· Develop and optimize procedures for LNP formulation, including lipid selection, N-P ratios, lipid compositions and in vitro characterization.

· Assess quality and integrity/stability of molecules using cell-based approaches, flow cytometry and ex vivo assays.

· Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot bioanalytical instrumentation.

· Perform biochemical and biophysical characterization of LNPs, including particle sizing (DLS), zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency.

· Design in vivo studies to demonstrate Proof of Concept for novel therapeutics.

· Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including molecular biology, chemistry, and machine learning.

· Analyze and interpret experimental data, present findings to internal teams, prepare data packages for grant applications and regulatory submissions.

· Maintain accurate and detailed electronic laboratory records and ensure data integrity.

· Stay up to date with advancements in RNA biochemistry, nucleic acid therapeutics, lipid chemistry, and related technologies.

Qualifications

· Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field, with expertise in RNA biology and biochemistry.

· 7+ years of hands-on laboratory experience working with RNA in an industrial setting, including in vitro transcription, enzymatic modifications, RNase-free handling, purification, and analysis of biologic molecules.

· Strong background in lipid biochemistry and LNP manufacturing, with understanding of lipid phase behavior, self-assembly, and structure-function relationships of ionizable lipids.

· Proven proficiency operating and developing methods on chromatographic and electrophoretic platforms; ability to interpret complex analytical data and troubleshoot instrument issues.

· Experience with RNA analytical methods (e.g., Fragment Analyzer, capillary electrophoresis, gel electrophoresis, denaturing and native PAGE, SEC-HPLC and other LC methods, UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, Nanodrop) and with encapsulation technologies such as lipid nanoparticles.

· Strong analytical chemistry skills with rigorous attention to data quality, quantitative analysis, and method validation.

· Proficiency in mammalian cell culture, nucleic acid transfection techniques, and downstream gene expression assays.

· Strong data analysis and troubleshooting skills, with proficiency in scientific software tools (e.g., GraphPad Prism, Excel, image-analysis software).

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, proven ability to work independently, and fluency in both French and English.

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience with mRNA therapeutics or related modalities.

· Experience with nanoparticle characterization methods including dynamic light scattering, zeta-sizer and encapsulation efficiency measurements

· Experience in regulatory documentation or writing technical reports in a GxP environment.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV, a cover letter, and a brief summary of relevant experiences to ***email_hidden***