Associate Scientist

About the Role

• Associate Scientist position for a contract-to-hire opportunity.
• Focused on neurological disorders.
• Primarily hands-on laboratory work (approximately 80% of time).
• Work closely with company leadership and scientists to run and improve experiments, document methods, and share results.
• Opportunity to grow with a biotech startup.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute, optimize, and develop assays to assess gene-circuit function, including protein expression, localization, and efficacy.
• Conduct studies in cell lines and disease-model mice.
• Write and maintain standard operating procedures and detailed laboratory records.
• Troubleshoot experiments, communicate progress, and collaborate across a small, fast-moving team.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Hands-on experience with core molecular biology techniques, such as DNA/RNA or protein extraction and quantification, PCR, and cloning.
• Experience with protein assays such as ELISA and Western blot.
• Ability to plan and troubleshoot experiments, work independently or with a team, and deliver against timelines.
• Curiosity and enthusiasm for working across evolving projects in a startup environment.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in biochemistry, biomedical research, neuroscience, or a related field, with relevant research experience.
• A PhD is welcome but not required.
• Strong organization, communication, and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Protein production or Transwell systems
• Phage display or synthetic biology
• AAV-based genetic delivery
• In vivo mouse studies
• High-throughput screening
• Next-generation sequencing, RNA-seq, or single-cell RNA-seq
• Basic bioinformatics
• Derivation of neuronal cell lines