Scientist II, Gene Therapy

Company: Insmed Incorporated
Location: San Diego
Posted on: February 2, 2026

Job Description:

At Insmed, every moment and every patient counts — and so does every person who joins in. As a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to transforming the lives of patients with serious and rare diseases, you’ll be part of a community that prioritizes the human experience, celebrates curiosity, and values every person’s contributions to meaningful progress. That commitment has earned us recognition as Science magazine’s No. 1 Top Employer for five consecutive years, certification as a Great Place to Work® in the U.S., and a place on The Sunday Times Best Places to Work list in the UK. For patients, for each other, and for the future of science, we’re in. Are you? About the Role: We’re looking for a Scientist II on the Gene Therapy Research team to help us expand what’s possible for patients with serious diseases. Reporting to the Senior Director, Research – Gene Therapy, you’ll be a highly independent scientist spearheading critical gene replacement therapy projects, specifically focusing on Stargardt Disease. In this pivotal role, you will lead the design and execution of complex experimental workflows to assess therapeutic efficacy. Your primary focus will be developing specialized in vitro assays to confirm protein function and utilizing advanced histology (IHC, RNA scope) and in vivo mouse models to advance candidates toward clinical trials. What You'll Do: In this role, you’ll have sole responsibility for planning, designing, and executing complex experimental workflows. You’ll also be responsible for: Experimental Design & Project Leadership: Lead highly independent and critical projects aimed at the functional assessment of therapeutic candidates, specifically regarding gene replacement therapies for conditions such as Stargardt Disease. Assay Development & Validation: Spearhead the development of critical in-vitro assays to demonstrate therapeutic efficacy, such as confirming enzymatic or structural function. Establish and confirm that gene therapy products result in fully functional proteins, a pivotal milestone for advancing candidates to clinical trials. Laboratory Management & Supervision: Supervise, manage, and train junior scientific staff (e.g., Senior Research Associates) to support laboratory operations and experimental execution. Manage project-specific expenditures and allocate resources effectively to ensure funds are used to advance the program. Data Analysis & Histology: Analyze complex experimental data and oversee advanced histology workflows, including immunohistochemistry (IHC), RNA in situ hybridization (RNA and Base scope), and quantitative microscopy. Communication & Reporting: Prepare scientific reports and author manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals. Present research findings to cross-functional internal teams and external stakeholders (such as at scientific conferences) to facilitate project progress and support regulatory submissions. Advanced Assay Development: Specialized expertise in designing and executing complex in vitro assays for assessing the functional activity of gene therapy products. Ability to research and develop a deep understanding of complex biological systems (e.g., ABCA4 protein function). In Vivo & Surgical Techniques: Proficiency in conducting in vivo studies, including mouse handling, surgeries, and tissue collection for efficacy and functional analysis. Histology & Microscopy: Competence in implementing and optimizing histology workflows, specifically IHC and RNA in situ hybridization, as well as performing quantitative/qualitative analysis of histological samples. Molecular Biology: Expertise molecular biology, mechanisms, and evaluating the yield, potency, and functionality of gene therapy systems. Resource Management: Ability to manage project-level budgets and oversee the allocation of laboratory resources. Who You Are: You have a Ph.D in Molecular Biology or related field along with relevant post-doctoral or industrial experience. You are or you also have: Proven ability to work independently on critical path projects Strong leadership skills for supervising and training support staff Excellent communication skills for presenting data internally and externally Where You’ll Work This role is based out of our San Diego – Research Development Lab and requires full-time, in-person presence to support hands-on collaboration, access specialized equipment, and/or operational needs. Travel Requirements Minimal travel expected Pay Range: $80,000.00-102,000.00 Annual Life at Insmed At Insmed, you’ll find a culture as human as our mission—intentionally designed for the people behind it. You deserve a workplace that reflects the same care you bring to your work each day, with support for how you work, how you grow, and how you show up for patients, your team, and yourself. Highlights of our U.S. offerings include: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage and mental health support, annual wellbeing reimbursement, and access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Generous paid time off policies, fertility and family-forming benefits, caregiver support, and flexible work schedules with purposeful in-person collaboration 401(k) plan with a competitive company match, annual equity awards, and participation in our Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), and company-paid life and disability insurance Company Learning Institute providing access to LinkedIn Learning, skill building workshops, leadership programs, mentorship connections, and networking opportunities Employee resource groups, service and recognition programs, and meaningful opportunities to connect, volunteer, and give back Eligibility for specific programs may vary and is subject to the terms and conditions of each plan. Current Insmed Employees: Please apply via the Jobs Hub in Workday. Insmed Incorporated is an Equal Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Unsolicited resumes from agencies should not be forwarded to Insmed. Insmed will not be responsible for any fees arising from the use of resumes through this source. Insmed will only pay a fee to agencies if a formal agreement between Insmed and the agency has been established. The Human Resources department is responsible for all recruitment activities; please contact us directly to be considered for a formal agreement. Insmed is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact us by email at TotalRewards@insmed.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Applications are accepted for 5 calendar days from the date posted or until the position is filled.

Keywords: Insmed Incorporated, Diamond Bar , Scientist II, Gene Therapy, Healthcare , San Diego, California