Research Scientist, RNA Immunotherapeutics (Oncology)

Job Title: Research Scientist, RNA Immunotherapeutics (Oncology)
Location: Netherlands
Reports to: Chief Scientific Officer (CSO)

About the company

Our client is a passionate biotech startup dedicated to transforming tumour care through novel RNA-based immunotherapeutics. Our proprietary RNA-nanoparticle delivery system boosts the efficacy of RNA medicines by training patients’ immune systems to recognise and destroy hard-to-treat solid tumours. Currently conducting IND-enabling preclinical studies, we aim to initiate first-in-human trials in the following years.

Position Summary

As an Experienced Research Scientist, RNA Immunotherapeutics (Oncology), you will be a hands-on leader in the R&D team. You bring extensive expertise in pharmaceutics—especially nanoparticle delivery systems—and a strong background in RNA biology and immunotherapy.

Reporting to the CSO, you will design and optimise RNA-nanoparticle formulations, execute and oversee in vivo studies for evaluation of efficacy and safety, and drive our RNA-based nanoparticle platform technology towards clinical translation.

The candidate must have an official registration for experiments with animals/mice in the Netherlands, and preferably be experienced with the execution of in vivo studies in animal models of disease

Key Responsibilities

• Lead formulation process development:Plan, design, synthesise, and characterise novel RNALNP formulations to achieve optimal stability, encapsulation efficiency, and delivery performance.

• Drive preclinical in vivo studies:Organise and execute animal studies in tumour models and other disease systems to assess efficacy, safety, biodistribution, and PK/PD profiles of our proprietary RNA-nanoparticle system.

• Develop and validate assays:Create robust, high‑throughput in vitro and in vivo assays (e.g., flow cytometry, immunoassays, imaging) to quantify nanoparticle uptake, endosomal escape, immune activation, and target engagement.

• Conduct research on the mode of action behind the immunomodulating activities exerted by the RNA-nanoparticles under study, including studies of the infiltration of immune cells in tumour models.

• Ensure quality and documentation:Implement protocols and SOPs, maintain rigorous experimental records and documentation standards.

• Collaborate with international team members across the world, including bioinformatics, clinical development, regulatory affairs and manufacturing, to drive project goals, including IND submission and patent filings.

• Present research findings to internal and external stakeholders, including presentations at scientific conferences and regulatory agencies.

• Stay updated with advancements in the field of RNA-based immunotherapeutics, immunotherapy, and nanoparticle technology.

• Contribute to the writing of scientific publications, patent applications, and grant proposals.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Posdoc in Pharmaceutics or related discipline with knowledge of Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Immunology and Biochemistry related fields.

• 5+ years of industry or postdoctoral experience in RNA delivery, lipid nanoparticle formulation, and immunology.
• Must have an official registration for experiments with animals/mice in the Netherlands.

• Hands-on experience with in vitro and in vivo models for cancer research.

• Experience with cell culture, cell-based immunology assays and flow cytometry

• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.

• Experience and/or interest in working in a Biotech startup.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills;

• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Fluent in English (C1 or C2 level). Other European languages are a plus.
• Demonstrated ethical commitment to patient safety and adherence to the highest quality standards in experimental design and documentation

Preferred Qualifications

• Ideally, the candidate has experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, especially in Oncology / Cancer treatment.
• A plus: Experience in molecular biology techniques, including PCR, cloning, plasmid construction, nucleic acid extraction, and quantitative PCR.

• Track record of scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals.

What Our Client Offers

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge immunotherapy research with the potential to make a significant impact on cancer treatment.
• Start-up environment, you will work with the C-level and the leadership team of the company, exchange opinions and brainstorm new ideas.

• Collaborative and innovative work environment.

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Depending on qualifications, the company could be open to offering relocation, visa sponsorship or temporary housing support to relocate to the Netherlands.

• Professional development and career advancement opportunities.

Our Core values at TheHRchapter
✔️ Transparency: We believe in transparent and smooth recruitment processes. You will get feedback from us.

✔️ Candidate experience: Perfect blend between automated and humanized recruitment processes. Don't hesitate to ask us for feedback, anytime.

✔️ Talented pool: We bring highly-skilled motivated candidates to our clients. Our candidates match their company values and management style.

✔️ Diversity and inclusion: There is no place for discrimination and intolerance. We care about diversity awareness and respect for any differences.

Place of work