Sr. Research Associate - Gene Therapy

As a Senior Research Associate, you will play a key role in advancing Dyno's animal studies to identify and develop cutting-edge muscle AAV-based capsids.

You will process and analyze tissues from in vivo studies, support histology workflows, and conduct in vitro experiments to characterize leading capsids and capsid libraries.

Working closely with Research Associates, Scientists, and Computational Biologists, you will help the Muscle team generate high-quality data that shapes the future of gene therapy.

Responsibilities:

• Sample inventory and dissection of tissues (mammalian cells, non-human primate and mouse tissues).
• Extract, purify, and enrich nucleic acids from mammalian cells and tissues.
• Run quantification assays on purified nucleic acids (e.g., qPCR, RT-qPCR).
• Prepare next-generation sequencing libraries (amplicon sequencing) and perform associated QC steps.
• Support histology workflows, including tissue preparation, sectioning, staining, imaging, and analysis.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures and execute cell-based experiments to characterize leading muscle capsids and capsid libraries.
• Analyze experimental data, identify technical issues, and recommend appropriate next steps in collaboration with project leads.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records of samples, experimental procedures, and results using Dyno's electronic laboratory notebook and LIMS systems.
• Communicate findings clearly and collaborate across experimental and computational teams to achieve project goals.
• Adhere to lab protocols and safety regulations to ensure a safe working environment.
• Work with urgency and adaptability, balancing innovation with execution.
• Collaborate cross-functionally, leveraging Dyno's high-trust, high-impact culture to drive results.

Basic qualifications:

• BS or MS in biology, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, or related fields.
• At least 3 years of full-time, post-graduate, hands-on wet lab experience.
• Experience in DNA/RNA purification and analysis protocols (qPCR, RT-qPCR, etc.).
• Experience handling mammalian tissues or other complex biological samples.
• Ability to execute complex protocols with high accuracy, consistency, and attention to detail.
• Ability to organize and track large sample sets across multiple concurrent studies and workflows.
• Strong experimental documentation and data-management practices.
• Ability to analyze data, identify technical problems, and contribute to decisions about experimental next steps.
• Willingness to push the boundaries of work through the use of AI.
• Alignment with Dyno's core values.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with AAV biology, gene therapy, viral vectors, or drug-delivery technologies.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing library preparation.
• Experience processing animal tissues for molecular measurements, including vector genome, mRNA, or protein analysis.
• Experience with histology workflows, including tissue preparation, sectioning, staining, imaging, or quantitative analysis.
• Familiarity with ELN-LIMS data management software (e.g. Benchling).

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation & equity.
• Mission-aligned, high-trust environment.
• A career-defining experience.
• Annual performance-based bonus.
• Stock options.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) plan.
• Flexible paid time off and holidays.
• Perks including on-campus gym membership, onsite lunch, commuter support, and company-provided laptop.