Research And Development Associate

Rage Bio – Where Science Drives Hope

Laboratory-based | Full-time

Location: Jumar Bioincubator, Melbourne, Australia

Salary Range: AUD $80,000 – $110,000 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.

The Opportunity

As a fiercely innovative and entrepreneurial Research Associate 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

• Perform experiments following established protocols, or assist in the development of new methods, to support preclinical drug discovery and development.
• Apply a broad range of molecular, protein chemistry, cell culture, and biochemistry techniques to examine the effects of RNA-targeting therapeutics in vitro and in vivo.
• Routine maintenance of cell cultures, including cell passaging, media preparation, and monitoring cell viability. Help develop and optimise cell-based screening assays.
• RNA and protein extraction and purification from cell and tissue samples.
• RNA and protein analysis, quantitation and imaging, by PCR (RT-PCR, qPCR and dPCR), Western analysis (gel blot and capillary), and in situ hybridisation.
• Capture, organize, and analyse experimental data using various software tools and statistical methods to industry standard. Assist in interpreting results and preparing reports for internal review and external presentations.
• Maintain highly precise and accurate records of experimental procedures, results, and observations in electronic laboratory notebooks; assisting with the preparation of documents for internal meetings, regulatory submissions, stakeholder due diligence and patent applications.
• Work collaboratively with internal (Company-based) and external (e.g., academic collaborators and contractors) researchers to support and achieve project milestones and objectives. Communicate effectively within the team and participate in regular meetings to discuss progress and strategies.
• Adhere to laboratory safety protocols and ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines and company policies. Participate in safety training sessions and assist in maintaining a safe working environment for all laboratory personnel.
• Assist in quality control testing of reagents, materials, and equipment to ensure consistency and reliability of experimental results. Document quality control procedures and findings according to established protocols.
• Use highly developed time-management and organisational skills to coordinate and schedule experiments, tracking project timelines and milestones. Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment and progress towards project goals.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Bachelors with Honours degree (or equivalent experience) in Cell or Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or a related field – ideally with an understanding of the drug development process.
• Highly proficient in all aspects of sterile cell culture, and RNA and protein extraction and purification from cell and tissue samples.
• Proficiency in data analysis using software tools like GraphPad Prism, to draw meaningful conclusions from complex datasets.
• Highly proficient in RNA and protein analysis and quantitation by PCR (RT-PCR, qPCR and dPCR) and Western analysis (gel blot and capillary).
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently to produce high-quality research outputs.

Desirable

• Masters degree in a relevant discipline or other qualifications relevant to pharmaceutical discovery and development and/or biotechnology.
• An understanding and preferably direct experience of the drug development process.
• Hands-on experience conducting experiments using in vitro and in vivo models commonly used in non-clinical research.
• Experience with in situ hybridisation, ELISAs and tissue imaging.
• Experience in industry (pharmaceutical or biotech company, commercial contract research organisation).

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 $80,000 – $110,000 plus superannuation, depending on experience.

Hiring Manager

Christopher Wraight, Chief Scientific Officer