COMPANY SUMMARY:

Terrana Biosciences is one of the latest companies founded through Flagship Pioneering’s venture creation engine, where companies such as Moderna Therapeutics and Evelo Therapeutics were conceived and created. Since Flagship’s founding in 2000, the firm has originated and fostered the development of nearly 100 scientific ventures resulting in $19+ billion in aggregate value, 500+ issued patents, and more than 50 clinical trials for novel therapeutic agents. Terrana Biosciences is integrating the latest developments in molecular biology and plant biology to create a new platform technology that enables adaptive, targeted and sustainable solutions in agriculture.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Are you a highly motivated and driven researcher who wants to contribute to developing products for sustainable agriculture? We are seeking a determined, impact-driven, full-time Senior Scientist specializing in Plant Viroids with an eagerness for continued innovation. The successful candidate will be highly organized and comfortable working as an integral member of a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary team in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, record-keeping, and teamwork skills will be critical.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in Virology, Plant Pathology, Plant Science, Molecular Biology, or a related field plus 5+ years of experience or M.S. plus 12+ years relevant industry/lab experience.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Deep knowledge of viroid genome structure/function, replication, movement, and host interactions.
• Proficiency in molecular cloning, RNA biology techniques, and gene expression analysis in plants.
• Experience in RNA secondary structure modeling or prediction.
• Experience scaling vector production or running greenhouse/field infection studies.
• Experience in transitioning from product concept to successful commercialization.
• Familiarity with small RNA pathways, RNA interference (RNAi), or epigenetic regulation in plants a plus.
• Experience using viroids as synthetic chassis or vectors for plant biotechnology a plus.
• Prior patent filings or technology-transfer experience a plus.
• Clear, concise scientific writing and presentation skills.
• Comfort working in a startup or other fast-moving, resource-constrained environment.
  Location: Durham, NC

• Using RNA secondary structure and computational predictions to design a suite of engineered plant viroids.
• Screening engineered viroids in plants.
• Delivering clear, data-driven recommendations that identify field-ready vectors for Terrana’s product pipeline.
• Building and using end-to-end viroid protocols (e.g., cloning, inoculation, titering, phenotyping, expression analysis, and data capture) that can be run reproducibly.
• Handing off optimized vectors and supporting data packages for greenhouse and small-plot field trials, positioning them for regulatory engagement and commercialization.
• Serving as a key internal and external expert on plant viroids, shaping internal platform strategy and forging key collaborations.
• Coaching and mentoring research associates.
• Contributing to a dynamic, exciting culture that embraces teamwork and innovation.