Senior Research Scientist

Senior Research Scientist – Immunology & RNA-targeting Therapeutics Rage Bio – Where Science Drives Hope Laboratory-based | Full-time Base pay range A$120,000.00/yr - A$140,000.00/yr Salary Range: AUD $120,000 – $140,000 plus superannuation, depending on experience. Join a Company at the Forefront of RNA-targeting Therapeutics At Rage Bio, we believe in creating possibilities. Guided by innovation and purpose, we advance cutting‑edge science to deliver therapies that positively transform lives. Our mission is clear: champion patients, push the boundaries of what’s possible, and turn discovery into life‑improving treatments. Rage Bio is entering a transformative phase, having just secured AU$29 million in Series A funding ( to advance our lead program, RB042, into first‑in‑human clinical trials, and to accelerate our pipeline of precision splice‑switching oligonucleotide (SSO) therapeutics to tackle chronic inflammatory diseases. Rage Bio is built on pioneering science, a world‑class team, and a commitment to delivering life‑changing medicines. Our lead asset, RB042, is an inhaled SSO therapy that targets the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End‑products (RAGE), converting RAGE from its harmful, pro‑inflammatory form to its protective, anti‑inflammatory form. This offers a precision medicine approach for COPD and other inflammatory lung diseases, conditions affecting millions worldwide. This is a rare opportunity to join a rapidly growing biotech at a pivotal moment, working alongside leaders in the field and contributing directly to programs with the potential for global impact. Opportunity As a fiercely innovative and entrepreneurial Senior Research Scientist at Rage Bio, you’ll be part of a mission‑driven team developing next‑generation oligonucleotide‑based medicines that could positively transform patient care. Working in our state‑of‑the‑art lab at the Jumar Bioincubator in Melbourne, you’ll contribute to discovery, optimization, and nonclinical development of breakthrough therapies. This is your chance to make a real impact advancing a pipeline that pushes the boundaries of science and shapes the future of RNA‑targeting therapeutics. Key Responsibilities Lead and design complex experiments to support preclinical drug discovery and development, with a focus on immunology and RNA‑targeting therapeutics. Develop and optimize innovative methodologies for evaluating antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and other RNA‑targeting modalities in in‑vitro and in‑vivo systems. Apply advanced molecular biology, protein chemistry, and immunology techniques to characterize therapeutic effects on immune pathways and disease models. Oversee routine and advanced cell culture work, including primary immune cell isolation and functional assays; drive development of cell‑based screening platforms relevant to immunology. Perform RNA and protein extraction and purification from diverse biological samples, including immune tissues. Conduct RNA and protein analysis using PCR (RT‑PCR, qPCR, dPCR), Western blotting (gel and capillary), and in‑situ hybridization, with emphasis on immune‑related biomarkers. Interpret complex datasets using statistical and bioinformatics tools; prepare detailed reports for internal stakeholders, regulatory submissions, and external presentations. Maintain rigorous documentation in electronic laboratory notebooks; contribute to patent filings and scientific publications. Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and external partners to achieve project milestones; provide scientific leadership in immunology and RNA‑targeting therapeutic strategies. Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards; champion best practices in laboratory operations. Contribute to quality control of reagents and assay systems; troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges. Utilize strong project management skills to prioritize tasks, manage timelines, and align research objectives with organizational goals. Qualifications and Experience PhD in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or related discipline, with demonstrated expertise in immune system biology. 5+ years of postdoctoral experience, independently identifying and leading projects, with a focus on tackling human disease. Excellent track record of scientific achievement, pushing the boundaries of cutting‑edge research in immunology, evidenced by publications on high‑impact journals and/or patents. Advanced proficiency in sterile cell culture, RNA/protein extraction, and immunology‑focused assays. Expertise in RNA and protein analysis techniques (PCR variants, Western blotting) and imaging methods. Strong analytical skills with experience in data interpretation using tools such as GraphPad Prism and relevant bioinformatics platforms. Excellent organizational skills and ability to work independently while providing scientific leadership. Proven track record in antisense oligonucleotide research or RNA‑targeting therapeutics. Postdoctoral or industry experience in biotech or pharmaceutical research, particularly in immunology and/or RNA‑targeting therapeutics. Hands‑on experience with in‑vitro and in‑vivo immunology models, including immune cell functional assays. Familiarity with in‑situ hybridization, ELISAs, flow cytometry, and tissue imaging. Understanding of the drug development process and regulatory requirements. Experience contributing to patents, publications, and cross‑disciplinary collaborations. Our Ideal Candidate You’re driven by curiosity and energized by solving complex challenges. Innovation excites you, and you thrive in a fast‑paced environment where every day brings new opportunities to learn and make an impact. You’re a natural collaborator who values integrity and scientific rigor, but you’re also adaptable and ready to pivot and find solutions when the unexpected happens. If you’re passionate about pushing boundaries and shaping the future of RNA‑targeting therapeutics, we want you on our team. What We Offer The chance to contribute to the discovery and development of novel, game‑changing SSO therapeutics that can improve the lives of patients worldwide. A supportive and collaborative team culture, working alongside some of the most experienced leaders in biotech. The opportunity to join a company in a phase of rapid growth, with strong investor backing and a clear path to clinical impact. Career‑boosting industry experience in the revolutionary field of RNA‑targeting therapeutics. Location in a world‑class biotech and translational medical research hub. Salary Range: AUD $120,000 – $140,000 plus superannuation, depending on experience. Hiring Manager Christopher Wraight, Chief Scientific Officer #J-18808-Ljbffr