About Rion

Rion is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Rochester, Minnesota, founded through the Mayo Clinic Employee Entrepreneurial Program. Our mission is to develop clinically impactful and accessible therapies using innovative regenerative medicine technologies based on extracellular vesicle science. Rion’s proprietary exosome platform aims to address significant unmet patient needs across multiple therapeutic areas, including wound healing, cardiovascular disease, and musculoskeletal diseases.

Position Summary

The Research Associate, Analytical Development supports analytical method development, implementation, and pre-qualification activities for Rion’s exosome technology. This role partners closely with Quality Control (QC) to support method transfers, routine testing support as needed, and continuous improvement. The successful candidate is hands-on at the bench, organized in documentation, and comfortable communicating results in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Key techniques include: mammalian cell culture, ELISA, RT-qPCR, HPLC, and colorimetric/fluorometric assays.

Responsibilities

· Execute analytical development studies (method development, implementation, and pre-qualification) to support Rion’s exosome technology.

· Perform wet-lab experiments and routine troubleshooting; conduct root-cause assessment of assay issues and communicate risks, deviations, and results in a timely manner.

· Support QC as needed, including sample testing support, documentation support, and continuous improvement activities.

· Support assay transfers to QC, including preparation of transfer packages, side-by-side testing, and documentation; may train QC staff on established methods.

· Maintain critical reagents (e.g., cell lines) and ensure readiness of materials required for analytical development.

· Document work using a paper-based laboratory notebook or an electronic laboratory notebook; maintain an organized index of experiments and results.

· Draft, revise, and help implement test methods/SOPs and work instructions; incorporate feedback from supervisors and cross-functional partners.

· Generate summary reports and/or presentations to communicate findings to Research & Development and QC teams.

· Maintain compliance for study execution (training, SOPs, and work instructions) and learn/adhere to applicable GLP guidance.

· Support day-to-day laboratory operations, including inventory management, procurement, and general laboratory/equipment maintenance.

· Collaborate with analytical development scientists to plan, design, and execute studies in a team setting.

· Support pre-qualification of analytical assays in alignment with ICH Q2(R2) guidelines.

Required Qualifications

· Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biological Sciences or a related field.

· 1–3 years of relevant industry experience in analytical development, Quality Control, or a biological sciences laboratory.

· Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture.

· Ability to record data accurately and legibly; strong attention to detail.

· Strong organizational and time-management skills; ability to work effectively with shifting priorities.

· Proficiency with data analysis/graphing tools (e.g., Microsoft Excel, GraphPad Prism).

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to summarize and present findings.

· Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience in a cGMP environment.

· Good understanding of compliance and cGMP considerations; familiarity with basic regulatory requirements (e.g., ICH, compendia).

· Experience authoring/revising test methods, protocols, and technical reports.

· Prior experience in an analytical development environment.

Work Authorization: Must be authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

How to Apply: Please submit a resume (and optional cover letter). Include a brief summary of relevant analytical methods experience and availability to start.

Rion recognizes the importance of balance and flexibility in our work environment. We offer competitive benefits, services, and programs that provide employees with resources to pursue their career goals—both at work and in their personal lives.

We provide a competitive compensation package and a culture focused on development and wellbeing. Benefits may include:

· Comprehensive benefits package

· Health Insurance including PPO or High Deductible Health Plan with Health Savings Account

· Dental Insurance

· Vision Insurance

· Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

· 401K Retirement Savings

· Life Insurance basic life and supplemental life insurance options for self, spouse, children

· Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance

· Discretionary Time-off, Paid Holidays, and Parental Leave programs

· Parking benefits

Rion is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. Rion strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy), gender (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender or transsexual individual), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, marital status, AIDS/HIV status, smoker/nonsmoker, occupational pneumoconiosis, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.