Anitbody Research Associate

The Fountain Group; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in South San Francisco is seeking a Research Associate to support their Macrocycle Discovery Group. This role involves conducting in vitro selection campaigns, assay development, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive early drug discovery programs. Candidates should have a relevant degree and hands-on experience with display technologies and high-throughput screening methods.

Qualifications

• B.S., M.S., or equivalent degree in a relevant discipline.
• Hands-on experience with in vitro display technologies.

Responsibilities

• Support discovery efforts in the Macrocycle Discovery Group.
• Conduct in vitro selection campaigns using mRNA and/or phage display technologies.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with scientists to support project goals.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Organizational Skills

Collaboration

Education

B.S. in Biochemistry

M.S. in Molecular Biology

Tools

ELISA

Western Blot

High-Throughput Screening

Laboratory Automation

Job description

Currently we have an opening for a Research Associate located in South San Francisco, CA. Details for the position are as follows:

Pay Range: $35-$45/hour

Job Description:

• 3-year contract with the possibility of extending or converting to permanent based on performance and budget.
• We are seeking a highly motivated contractor to support discovery efforts in the Macrocycle Discovery Group within the Peptide Therapeutics Department. The successful candidate will contribute to the identification of Client macrocyclic peptides using in vitro selection platforms and will play a key role in assay development, high-throughput screening, and data analysis for early drug discovery programs.
• Conduct in vitro selection campaigns using mRNA and/or phage display technologies to Client active macrocyclic peptides targeting high-priority therapeutic proteins.
• Handle phage libraries, including amplification, titration, panning, and rescue procedures.
• Design and execute ELISA-based binding assays for hit validation and screening.
• Utilize laboratory automation and high-throughput screening (HTS) techniques to enable efficient assay setup, sample processing, and reagent preparation.
• Analyze next-generation sequencing (NGS) results using internal bioinformatics tools to identify early hits and guide selection campaign progression.
• Test the incorporation and expression of non-canonical amino acid monomers to enhance library diversity through genetic code expansion.
• Maintain and manage complex reagent inventories used across multiple preclinical discovery platforms.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with scientists in biochemistry, screening, and informatics to support project goals and timelines.

Qualifications:

• B.S., M.S., or equivalent degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemical Biology, or a related discipline with relevant lab-based experience.
• Hands-on experience with in vitro display technologies, particularly mRNA display and/or phage display (including phage propagation and selection).
• Proficiency in ELISA, western blot, and high-throughput screening methods.
• Familiarity with NGS data analysis and experience with laboratory automation platforms.
• Strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.