RESEARCH ASSOCIATE, TARGET DISCOVERY

About the Role

Research Associate – Target Discovery

As a Research Associate, you will support experimental efforts to characterize novel cancer targets, with a strong foundation in mammalian cell culture. You will execute and help optimize experiments, generate high-quality data, and contribute to analysis and interpretation alongside a cross-functional team of scientists, computational biologists, and immunologists. The level of the role (RA vs. SRA) will be determined by experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain, expand, and bank mammalian cell lines and primary cells using sterile technique, including thawing, passaging, cryopreservation, and routine quality checks (e.g., mycoplasma testing).
• Execute target validation experiments using cell lines and primary human samples to support the identification of novel immunotherapy targets.
• Perform cell-based and protein assays (e.g., flow cytometry, ELISA, Western blot, protein quantification) and help optimize protocols and workflows.
• Analyze and visualize experimental data, and summarize results for review with the broader team.
• Maintain detailed, organized records of experiments, reagents, and outcomes in an electronic lab notebook.
• Contribute to general lab operations, including reagent preparation, inventory, and equipment upkeep.
• Present data at internal team meetings and contribute to the presentation of findings (slide deck, white paper, publication) as needed.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Required:
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, including aseptic technique and maintenance of multiple cell lines.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and record-keeping.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with a demonstrated ability to work as part of a team.
• Eagerness to learn new techniques and take on increasing responsibility in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Preferred:
• Experience with ELISA and other immunoassays.
• Experience with Western blotting.
• Experience with protein quantification assays (e.g., BCA, Bradford).
• Experience with flow cytometry (e.g., antibody staining, panel setup, data analysis in FlowJo).
• Experience with data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Prism, Excel; R or Python a plus).
• Experience using electronic notebooks (e.g., Benchling).

Qualifications

B.S. in immunology, molecular/cell biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, or a related field, with hands-on laboratory experience in the areas listed above.