Scientist / Sr. Scientist, Research

The Opportunity

We are seeking a highly motivated Scientist / Senior Scientist to be a founding member of our Nucleic Acid Therapeutics team with a focus on antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), siRNAs, and antibody oligo conjugates (AOCs). This is a rare opportunity to join a new team within our growing and expanding Research department that is building a high-impact technology, with the latitude to shape both the science and the team culture from day one.

Reporting to the Research Director, this role will work at the intersection of oligonucleotide therapeutics and targeted delivery. You will be responsible for designing and screening ASO and siRNA candidates, developing conjugation strategies, collaborating across internal teams and external partners, and establishing the technology platform from discovery through preclinical proof of concept. The right candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment and bring best-in-class nucleic acid therapeutics capabilities to Visterra.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute screening campaigns for antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and/or siRNAs, including sequence design, chemistry selection, and hit identification
• Develop, optimize, and characterize antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs), including linker chemistry and conjugation strategy
• Collaborate closely with the broader research team to generate and evaluate AOC candidates
• Establish and apply cell-based in vitro models to assess oligonucleotide activity and intracellular delivery
• Quantify oligonucleotide efficacy and mechanism using molecular readouts including qPCR, ddPCR, and NGS
• Close collaboration with computational biologists to inform oligonucleotide design and interpret screening data
• Direct, design and interpret animal studies supporting AOC development
• Work with leadership to set priorities, track milestones, and communicate progress
• Lead relationships with CROs and vendors, including scope, timelines, and data review
• Identify and onboard new equipment and external partners as platform needs evolve
• Present experimental data and platform progress clearly to internal stakeholders and leadership
• Contribute to a collaborative, high-performance team culture as a founding member of the AOC group within Research
• Supervise and mentor research associates and interns as the team grows, providing scientific guidance and fostering professional development
• A limited amount of travel may be required for CRO site visits, vendor meetings, and scientific conferences

Requirements

• PhD. with 2+ years of relevant industry experience; BS candidates considered with 10+ years of relevant industry experience
• Hands-on bench experience designing and screening ASOs and/or siRNAs
• Experience with bioconjugation techniques and linker chemistry
• Experience with cell-based in vitro assays for evaluating oligonucleotide activity and with molecular quantification methods (e.g., qPCR, ddPCR, and NGS)
• Prior experience with antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates is a strong plus
• Strong written and oral communication skills; able to present complex scientific data clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Effective cross-functional collaborator, comfortable working across molecular biology, computational, and in vivo teams
• Proven ability to manage projects independently, prioritize competing demands, and meet deadlines
• Comfortable negotiating with and managing external CRO and vendor relationships
• Creative problem-solver who brings new approaches to ambiguous scientific challenges
• Ability to mentor and develop junior team members (research associates, interns)

Benefits

We provide comprehensive benefits and resources to support your work, life, and balance.

• A 401(k) retirement plan with a 10% dollar-for-dollar match.
• Medical, dental and vision benefits, with Visterra contributing 80% to the monthly premium.
• A rich mental & behavioral wellness program.
• Short- and long-term disability programs.
• Group and voluntary life insurance.
• Pre-tax flexible spending and commuter accounts.
• 17 days of personal time, discretionary sick time, and 11 holidays per calendar year. Personal time accrual grows to 22 days after 3 years, with an additional one-time grants of 5 days every 5 years.
• Twelve weeks of paid parental leave for birth or adoption.
• A broad fitness reimbursement program.
• Tuition and student loan reimbursement.
• A variety of employee discounts.

About Us

Visterra is a clinical stage biotechnology company committed to developing innovative antibody-based therapies for the treatment of patients with kidney, immune-mediated and other hard-to-treat diseases. Our proprietary technology platform enables the design and engineering of precision antibody-based product candidates that specifically bind to, and modulate, key disease targets. Applying this technology to disease targets that are not adequately addressed by traditional therapeutic approaches, we are developing a robust pipeline of novel therapies for patients with unmet needs. Visterra’s pipeline has multiple clinical-stage assets and one approved therapeutic, sibeprenlimab.

As a member of the Otsuka family of companies, we are uniquely positioned as a small, dynamic, nimble and innovative organization where individuals and teams are empowered to make big impacts – while benefiting from the support, strength, stability and long-term perspective of a 100-year-old global company. Visterra has approximately 105 employees and is located in Waltham, Massachusetts.

Visterra provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.