Scientist 1 / 2: RNA Vaccines

Company summary:

Amplitude Therapeutics is a seed-stage biotechnology company developing a proprietary RNA platform designed to unlock the full therapeutic potential of RNA biology. Our technology builds on foundational advances in RNA and non-viral delivery, enabling potent, durable, and scalable medicines across vaccines and therapeutics.

Founded by recognized leaders in the RNA and non-viral therapy fields and backed by premier biotech investors, we are building a team of exceptional scientists to bring transformative RNA medicines from concept through the clinic. We are based in Boston’s Seaport district.

Position summary:

Amplitude Therapeutics is seeking a highly motivated (Senior) Scientist to advance RNA vaccine programs through preclinical development. This lab-based role will serve as a key leader in collaboratively establishing new vaccine program(s). They will have a meaningful voice in program strategy and will be critical to driving program success. Responsibilities will include the design and execution of preclinical immunogenicity and challenge studies, as well as viral antigen design and characterization. This individual may contribute to additional non-vaccine therapeutic programs and LNP-based delivery of RNA medicines.

The ideal candidate will have 2-5+ years of relevant vaccine or serology experience, including industry experience successfully building and advancing early-stage viral vaccine programs. Candidates with more experience are welcomed to apply (title commensurate with experience). The successful candidate will have technical expertise establishing serological assays, including (multiplexed) binding and viral neutralization assays, as well as a working knowledge of characterizing vaccine-elicited T cell responses. They will be familiar with designing, managing, and interpreting vaccine studies across a variety of preclinical models; hands-on experience with animal models is a plus but not required. Experience with self-amplifying or mRNA/LNP vaccines is a plus, and willingness and desire to be hands-on and at the bench is required.

Key responsibilities:

• Design, execute, and manage rigorously controlled preclinical viral vaccine studies across multiple animal models, from study design through data interpretation and reporting.
• Establish and leverage serological and immunological assays (e.g. multiplexed binding, serum neutralization, ELISpot, intracellular cytokine staining) to evaluate vaccine immunogenicity.
• Lead viral antigen design and characterization efforts for RNA-delivered immunogens.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with RNA platform biology, formulation/delivery, and in vivo teams to advance vaccine and other programs.
• Manage relationships with external partners (CROs, vendors) as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in immunology, virology, microbiology, or a related discipline with 2+ years of relevant industry experience; or M.S. with 5+ years of relevant industry experience. Candidates with additional experience are encouraged to apply.
• Demonstrated hands-on expertise characterizing vaccine-elicited humoral and T cell responses in preclinical models.
• Working knowledge of viral antigen design, structural considerations, and immunogen characterization.
• Comfort with flow cytometry across diverse assays.
• Ability to collaboratively manage multiple projects on tight timelines.
• Excellent organization and data analysis skills, alongside experience using electronic lab notebooks (e.g. Benchling) for rigorous data management.
• Highly motivated and able to be flexible in case of changing priorities.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Track record of advancing early-stage vaccine programs through key preclinical milestones.
• Familiarity or expertise with mRNA-LNP or saRNA vaccines or therapeutics.
• Experience with multivalent vaccines.
• Hands-on experience with preclinical animal models (e.g. mice, rats).
• Experience managing CRO relationships or outsourced preclinical studies / assays.
• Experience with IND-enabling studies and strategy, including identification and delivery of key preclinical milestones and regulatory considerations for vaccine candidates.