Scientist, RNA Therapeutics

Apply to join Sculpta Bio, an ambitious early-stage biotech pioneering RNA-based therapeutics for neurological and psychiatric disorders.

As a bench scientist, you'll directly contribute to target validation, drug discovery, and scientific strategy.

If you thrive in fast-paced environments and are motivated by the urgency of improving human health, we want you on our team.

Who We Are Sculpta is a science-first biotech developing RNA-based neurotherapeutics to modulate disease-associated biological pathways with higher precision and efficacy.

Our CEO is a former Stanford University Assistant Professor and physician-scientist (MD/PhD) with publications in Nature, Cell, Science, etc.

Our team includes accomplished scientists with expertise in RNA biology, brain organoids, transcriptomics, and machine learning.

Backed by VCs with an oversubscribed pre-seed round in March 2025, we’re building an innovative platform to drive translational discovery.

Who Are You We’re looking for someone eager to contribute meaningfully and grow with the company.

Ideal candidates will:Be passionate about RNA biology and its therapeutic potential—including ASOs, siRNAs, mRNA, aptamers, and RNA conjugatesHave experience in biotech and understand the preclinical development process from early discovery through IND-enabling studiesEnjoy working at the bench and contributing to a focused, mission-driven teamBe motivated by patient impact and the discipline that comes with translational goalsHave the ability to lead strategy, manage projects, and mentor othersBe excited to shape both the science and the culture of a growing company Why You Should Consider This Role We want you to feel confident about what it would be like to work here.

Rather than speak in generalities, we thought it would be more useful to share the reasons our team chose to join Sculpta:Exciting and rigorous science.

We’re combining computational biology, stem-cell derived brain models, and RNA therapeutics in new and powerful ways.

There’s real depth and breadth here, backed up by scientists with track records of success.Real ownership.

You’ll lead programs, contribute to strategic decisions, and run experiments end-to-end.A great lab environment.

We’re based at MBC BioLabs on Mississippi Street, a well-equipped incubator at the center of the city’s biotech ecosystem.

The building is recently renovated and located in a sunny part of San Francisco in Mission Bay.Shared values.

We value communication, high standards, and mutual support.

We take our science seriously as much as building a strong team.Strong compensation and benefits.

This includes competitive salary, equity, and full healthcare coverage for employees.

What You’ll Do You’ll lead hands-on bench research with an emphasis on experimental design, assay development, and translational relevance on site.

You’ll work closely with a small, experienced team of scientists.

Key responsibilities:Design and execute studies on target biology, mechanisms of action, and RNA modulation in stem cell-derived brain modelsDevelop and troubleshoot assays with a focus on reproducibility and downstream applicabilityCollaborate with computational and cell biology colleagues to translate transcriptomic insights into bench strategiesPresent findings regularly and help shape team directionManage lab operations related to your work: timelines, reagent planning, CRO coordinationStay current with literature and propose new approaches based on emerging science.

Required QualificationsPhD in a life sciences discipline with 2+ years of experience, or MS with 4+ years of relevant industry experienceDeep understanding of RNA biology, molecular biology, and neurobiologyExperience with RNA therapeutics (e.g., siRNA, ASOs, mRNA, aptamers, LNPs) and familiarity with the landscape of approved RNA therapeutics and major companiesProficiency in:Cell culture and aseptic techniqueRNA and protein extraction, quantificationcDNA synthesis, qPCR, RT-PCRWestern blot, ELISA, FACSBacterial prep, cloning, and plasmid purificationExperience with single-cell RNA-seq workflows (e.g., 10x Genomics, Parse Biosciences)Familiarity with image and data analysis tools (FIJI/ImageJ, GraphPad Prism)Strong organizational skills, record-keeping, and communication Preferred QualificationsBiotech experience contributing to IND-enabling studiesFamiliarity with human stem cell-derived brain organoids and neurobiology assaysComfortable interpreting transcriptomic data and collaborating with computational teamsUnderstanding of mouse model design and in vivo readoutsExperience managing CROs or external workflowsInterest in how human genetics informs neuropsychiatric disease mechanismsProven ability to lead projects, mentor others, and shape scientific direction Compensation & Benefits:Title: Associate Scientist, Scientist I/II or Senior Scientist+, depending on qualificationsSalary Range: $100,000 to $150,000, depending on qualificationsAdditional Equity CompensationHealth Coverage: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits100% of employee premiums covered50% of dependent premiums coveredPerformance-based growth: Promotions and added benefits tied to company and individual milestones