Research Scientist

Company background:

i-RNA Asia is a Hong Kong-based biotechnology company and subsidiary of Canadian biotech company i-RNA Corporation, focused on developing first-in-class RNA therapeutics for retinal diseases including diabetic retinopathy (DR) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Driven by a passion for scientific innovation and patient care, i-RNA is advancing novel therapies aimed at improving outcomes for patients with retinal diseases.

As part of its expansion in Hong Kong, i-RNA Asia is establishing research and operational activities within the Incu-Bio Programme at Hong Kong Science Park. This position will contribute to the continued development of i-RNA’s therapeutic pipeline and support the growth of the company’s newly established presence in Hong Kong and Asia.

For more information about i-RNA, please visit: https://www.i-rna.ca/

Position Overview:

We are seeking a motivated and scientifically driven Research Scientist to play a key role in conducting and advancing research and translational R&D activities within i-RNA Asia’s Hong Kong R&D site at Hong Kong Science Park. This role will contribute to the continued development of i-RNA’s RNA therapeutic pipeline for retinal diseases through experimental design, laboratory research, scientific analysis, and collaboration with internal and external research partners during the company’s early expansion phase.

This is an excellent opportunity for candidates interested in joining an early-stage biotechnology company and contributing to the development of innovative RNA therapeutics within a dynamic and collaborative startup environment.

Key responsibilities:

·      Design, conduct, and analyze in vitro and in vivo research activities supporting the preclinical and translational development of i-RNA’s RNA therapeutic pipeline for retinal diseases

·      Develop, optimize, and execute experimental protocols related to RNA biology, molecular biology, and translational therapeutic research

·      Maintain accurate scientific records, research documentation, SOPs, experimental reports, and research data management activities

·      Contribute to scientific analysis, interpretation of findings, and preparation of presentations, publications, grant applications, partnership initiatives, regulatory support materials, investor-facing scientific documentation, and presentation of research findings at scientific meetings/conferences as needed

·      Contribute to development of new therapeutic research directions, translational strategies, experimental methodologies, intellectual property activities, and preclinical development initiatives aligned with the company’s RNA therapeutic pipeline objectives

·      Collaborate with internal team members, external CROs, academic collaborators, vendors, and Incu-Bio stakeholders supporting research and operational activities

·      Support setup, organization, and day-to-day scientific operations of the Hong Kong R&D laboratory during the company’s early expansion phase

·      Support mentorship, coordination, and scientific guidance of junior laboratory personnel as the Hong Kong team expands

Qualifications & Skills

• Ph.D. (or equivalent advanced degree) in molecular biology, biomedical sciences, RNA biology, pathology, or related field

• Strong hands-on research experience in RNA biology, molecular biology, translational therapeutics, or related biomedical research areas

• Experience designing and conducting in vitro and/or in vivo research studies

• Familiarity with laboratory safety procedures, scientific documentation practices, and research compliance standards

• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals in the RNA biology and therapy field is preferred.

• Experience supporting translational research, scientific reporting, grant proposals, partnership initiatives, or intellectual property activities is an asset

• Proficiency with scientific data analysis, statistical software, research documentation, Microsoft Office applications, and presentation of research findings

• Strong communication, organizational, presentation, and scientific writing skills

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across research and operational activities within a dynamic startup environment

• Comfortable working in a dynamic early-stage startup environment with evolving responsibilities and priorities

• Candidates must be eligible to work in or relocate to Hong Kong

• Visa sponsorship/work visa support may be considered for suitable overseas candidates

Conditions

• Full-time position primarily based at Hong Kong Science Park

• Laboratory and in-person activities required as part of day-to-day research and operational responsibilities