Senior or Principal Scientist: Virology

About Us:

Founded in 2017 by scientists from Harvard Medical School and UCSF, Autonomous Therapeutics is developing target-activated medicines for diseases ranging from influenza to cancer.

Our vision is to make medicines that act only in diseased cells, dramatically reducing off-target effects and improving patient outcomes. We are a growing team of 20+ PhD scientists and engineers, working in an 18,000 sq. ft. R&D facility in Rockville, Maryland, integrating biology, chemistry, formulation, robotics, and AI to build first-in-class therapeutics.

About the Role:

We are seeking an exceptional, hands-on scientist to help develop the next generation of nucleic acid and biologic medicines. This role is focused on advancing next-generation nucleic acid therapeutics, while offering the opportunity to contribute broadly across our antiviral and oncology programs.

You will work closely with scientific leadership and cross-functional teams to translate innovative research into impactful therapies. This role reports directly to the President of R&D and the Chief Scientific Officer.

What You’ll Do:

  • Design, execute, and interpret experiments supporting discovery and development of novel therapeutics

  • Contribute scientifically across one or more core areas including virology, cancer biology, nucleic acid medicines, delivery, or protein engineering

  • Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams spanning biology, chemistry, formulation, and engineering

  • Help advance programs from early discovery through in vivo validation

  • Participate in data analysis, experimental planning, and internal scientific discussions

  • Learn and apply cutting-edge robotics and AI-enabled experimentation developed in-house

Who You Are:

You are a curious, creative, and hands-on scientist who enjoys working across disciplines and tackling hard biological problems. Your specific background matters less than your ability to think critically, execute rigorously, and contribute meaningfully to therapeutic innovation.

Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline

  • 4+ years of post-Ph.D. experience

  • Deep expertise in at least one of the following core areas:

    • Virology - Development and testing of novel antivirals, including in vivo studies

    • Cancer Biology - Investigation of cancer therapeutics or diagnostics (e.g., monoclonal antibodies, immunotherapies, cell therapies)

    • Nucleic Acid Medicines - Development and chemical optimization of RNA or DNA therapeutics (e.g., mRNA, siRNA, ASOs, aptamers)

    • Nucleic Acid Formulation & Delivery - Advanced gene delivery approaches, including conjugation-based strategies or nanoparticles

    • Protein Engineering - Design and engineering of novel proteins, including use of molecular dynamics or AI-enabled tools

    • Cell-Based Assays - Design and validation of cell-based or high-throughput screening assays

Why Join Autonomous Therapeutics:

  • Work on first-in-class medicines with the potential to eliminate off-target toxicity

  • Collaborate with a deeply technical, interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers

  • Gain exposure to cutting-edge robotics and AI-driven experimentation, developed in-house

  • Direct access to scientific leadership and real influence over platform direction

  • Operate in a fast-moving startup environment with strong scientific rigor and ambition

Benefits & Compensation:

Salary Range: 90,000$ - 180,000$

In addition to competitive compensation, we offer:

  • Stock options

  • Health, Dental, and Vision insurance

  • 401(k) plan with employer matching

  • Paid time off and a flexible work schedule

  • A collaborative, mission-driven culture focused on scientific excellence and impact

Location & Work Type:

  • Full-time, on-site

  • Rockville, Maryland

If you're passionate about cutting-edge research and want to make an impact, we'd love to connect!