Senior Scientist - Analytical Development

About Syenex

Syenex is an open-science biotechnology company building the delivery technologies that unlock the future of genetic medicine. We engineer cell-specific delivery platforms-including enveloped vectors such as extracellular vesicles and viral vectors-that give cell and gene therapy developers best-in-class, plug-and-play tools spanning discovery through GMP manufacturing.

Founded in 2022 and based in Evanston and Chicago, Illinois, Syenex operates on an Open Science model: we make a continuously improving catalog of cell-engineering and delivery technologies universally accessible to academia and biopharma, freeing our partners to focus on their therapeutic insight. Through a growing network of partnerships and CDMO integrations, we help developers move from idea to clinical impact faster, at lower cost, and with higher delivery efficiency.

We are a small, multidisciplinary team that pairs rigorous synthetic biology with a build-fast, collaborate-openly culture. This role is central to how we scale that science.

About the role

We are seeking a Senior Scientist, Analytical Development to lead the development, optimization, and implementation of analytical methods supporting our lentiviral vector platforms. In this role, you will build and expand Syenex's analytical capabilities to support vector characterization, process development, and research programs. You will work closely with our R&D and Process Development teams to develop robust, reproducible assays, interpret complex data, and help advance our technologies. This is a hands-on role with significant scientific ownership and the opportunity to shape our analytical development strategy as the company grows.

What you'll do

• Lead the development, optimization, and implementation of analytical methods for Syenex's lentiviral vector platforms (e.g., using q/ddPCR, ELISA, flow cytometry, cell-based assays, and other techniques).
• Independently design, execute, analyze, and interpret hypothesis-driven experiments, using results to guide next steps and make data-driven decisions.
• Contribute to analytical strategies and scientific understanding of lentiviral vector products and manufacturing processes.
• Evaluate and implement emerging analytical technologies and approaches where appropriate.
• Partner closely with Process Development, R&D, and other cross-functional teams to support process optimization, vector characterization, and technology development.
• Author standard operating procedures (SOPs), method development reports, and related technical documents.
• Transfer analytical methods to internal and external stakeholders as necessary.
• Maintain complete and accurate experimental records using electronic laboratory notebooks and associated data management systems.
• Provide scientific leadership, mentoring and guiding junior scientists and research associates, with the opportunity to hire and manage an analytical development team as Syenex grows.
• Perform hands-on laboratory work with biological materials, mammalian cell lines, and reagents while maintaining appropriate biosafety practices and laboratory standards.
• Present scientific results to project teams, the broader R&D organization, and company leadership.
• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and scientifically rigorous environment, demonstrating flexibility and ownership across multiple projects in a fast-paced startup.

What you'll bring

• PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Virology, or a related discipline with 4+ years of relevant industry experience; or BS/MS with 9+ years of relevant experience.
• Hands-on experience developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting analytical methods in a biotechnology or biopharmaceutical environment, preferably supporting cell and gene therapy, biologics, or vaccines.
• Experience with lentiviral vector technologies and/or viral vector characterization, including vector genome quantification, cell-based infectivity assays, and characterization, is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with qPCR/ddPCR, ELISA, flow cytometry, Western blot, and other protein characterization methods.
• Experience authoring protocols, SOPs, and other technical documentation.
• Experience in method/technology transfer is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to independently solve complex technical challenges, improve laboratory workflows, and drive scientific excellence.
• Proven success leading or mentoring scientists and coordinating cross-functional activities to achieve project and business objectives.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to clearly present complex technical concepts and influence outcomes across teams.
• Ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced, changing environment.

Why Syenex

• Build something meaningful: Help establish and shape analytical development capabilities for next-generation viral vector technologies.
• Own your work: Take scientific ownership of projects, from experimental design through execution and interpretation.
• Make an impact: Work on technologies supporting the development of innovative cell and gene therapies.
• Collaborate closely: Work directly with scientists and leadership in a small, highly collaborative team.
• Grow with us: Help define processes, introduce new technologies, and expand our capabilities as Syenex grows.