Principal/Senior Scientist, mRNA engineering
NewLimit · South San Francisco
Posted about 3 months ago · $170,000 to $200,000
or apply directly on NewLimit's site. We never take the application ourselves.
Is this posting real?
- This role has been open
- 82 days NewLimit's roles stay open a median of 82 days
- Reposted
- No
- Salary listed
- Yes 82% of NewLimit's roles list one
- Ghost-job risk at NewLimit
- high 16 stale, 0 reposted of 17 open
- Hiring momentum
- 19 roles opened in the last 90 days ↑ up vs. the prior 90 days
- Last confirmed on the employer's board
- 2026-10-24
Measured from postings appearing on and disappearing from NewLimit's own greenhouse board since 2026-08-03. Full hiring picture for NewLimit.
About this role
The Principal/Senior Scientist will lead mRNA process development and engineering efforts at NewLimit, focusing on optimizing IVT yield and downstream purification for preclinical programs. This hands-on role involves managing tech transfer and scale-up activities at external CDMOs, collaborating with the analytical team, and building the mRNA Process Sciences team. The position requires staying updated on emerging mRNA techniques and establishing workflows for research-grade mRNA production.
- benefits
- 3/5
- freshness
- 1/5
- career value
- 4/5
- role clarity
- 4/5
- pay transparency
- 5/5
Scored from the posting itself — how clearly the role is described, how much it says about pay and benefits, and how recently it was listed. Not a judgement of NewLimit as an employer.
What you need
- PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience (5+ years)
- Hands-on experience optimizing IVT reactions and familiarity with scaling mRNA production (>10 mL scale)
- Hands-on experience optimizing column chromatography purification steps (i.e., oligo-dT) on AKTA systems
- Proficient in designing and executing UFDF/TFF steps
- Experience managing external CDMOs, through process development and GMP manufacturing
- Ability to perform and interpret basic mRNA analytical assays (Fragment Analyzer/TapeStation, restriction-digest + AGE, IP-RP-HPLC)
Nice to have
- SME-level understanding of mRNA sequence design and manufacturability assessments
- Experience with complex plasmid design, bacterial fermentation scale-up, and downstream purification for DNA template generation
- Experience authoring regulatory submissions (IMPD-Q)
- Experience managing or mentoring RAs/scientists, with interest in growing into a people-management role over time
What you get
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid parental leave
- Industry-leading paid time off (PTO) — 20 days/year for all employees + holidays
- Meals and snacks on-site
Worth weighing
- No salary listed in the posting, only a range provided
- The role involves building a new team, which may come with challenges
- The position requires a hands-on approach, which may not suit all candidates
Summarised from NewLimit's posting. Read the full original.
Listed by NewLimit on their greenhouse job board, last confirmed open on 2026-10-24. PitchMeAI is not the employer.
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