Molecular Biology Research Associate I/II/Snr RA, Pharmacology

Nosis Bio; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Nosis Bio, a California biotech startup, seeks a Research Associate I/II/Snr RA to conduct molecular biology assays evaluating pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of RNA therapeutics. The role involves hands-on work in our Alameda lab, supporting cross-functional drug discovery teams.

You'll perform RNA/DNA extractions, PCR/ddPCR, and cell culture with aseptic technique, while contributing to data QC and protocol optimization.

Qualifications

• Requires hands-on molecular biology experience including RNA/DNA extraction and cDNA synthesis.
• Experience with PCR/qPCR/ddPCR assays and data analysis.
• Proficiency in maintaining mammalian cell cultures and aseptic technique.
• Strong documentation practices and data traceability in ELN/LIMS.
• Ability to work cross-functionally in a multi-disciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Execute routine molecular biology workflows: RNA/DNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, PCR/RT-qPCR, ddPCR.
• Prepare reagents, buffers, and master mixes; maintain RNase-free techniques.
• Process samples from cells, tissues, and biofluids; perform homogenization, lysis, cleanup and quantification.
• Maintain real-time documentation of protocols and data in electronic notebooks.
• Perform data QC and basic analysis; summarize results for team review.
• Support assay development and optimization: primer/probe evaluation and gradient testing.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures and perform mycoplasma testing.
• Use automated liquid handlers to increase throughput and validate new protocols.
• Manage inventory and qualify new reagent lots as needed.
• Troubleshoot core lab equipment and coordinate cross-functional sample handling.
• Share results with context, controls, and interpretation.

Skills

Molecular biology

RNA/DNA extraction

qPCR/ddPCR

Cell culture

Data analysis

Documentation

Education

BS in biology or related field

MS in biology or related field

Equivalent industry experience

Tools

qPCR instruments

ddPCR instruments

Plate readers

Biosafety cabinets

Automated liquid handlers

Job description

About Nosis Bio:

Nosis Bio is a well-funded biotech startup exclusively focused on cell-specific delivery of RNA therapeutics. We are an all-scientist team of biologists, chemists, and machine learning experts that believe targeted extrahepatic delivery is the only thing preventing RNA therapies from becoming the standard-of-care for most chronic diseases. We combine deep expertise in receptor biology, generative AI, and high throughput in vivo data generation to exponentially accelerate the development of RNA therapeutics for new tissues. We are addressing a major unmet need across the industry and actively partner with pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and biotech.

About the Role:

We are seeking a Research Associate I / II / Snr RA to conduct molecular biology-based assays to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) properties of therapeutic candidates. The successful candidate will have hands-on experience with various high throughput molecular biology assays and will work closely with multidisciplinary teams to support various drug discovery project

Core Responsibilities

Execute routine molecular biology workflows including RNA/DNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, PCR/RT-qPCR, ddPCR

Prepare reagents, buffers, and master mixes; maintain cleanwork practices (RNase-free technique)

Perform sample processing from diverse matrices (cells, tissues, biofluids) including homogenization, lysis, cleanup, quantification, and normalization

Maintain accurate, real-time documentation in our electronic lab notebook, including protocols, deviations, and raw data traceability

Conduct data QC and basic analysis (standard curves, ddCt, acceptance criteria), and summarize results clearly for team review

Support assay development/optimization: primer/probe evaluation, thermal gradient optimization, input range testing, inhibition checks, and repeatability testing

Maintain mammalian cell cultures (immortalized, engineered, and primary cells) using aseptic technique, including thawing, passaging, cryopreservation, cell counting/viability assessment, and routine mycoplasma testing; plate and prepare cells for downstream assays

Use automated liquid handlers and other lab automation to increase throughput and reproducibility of plate-based assays; help develop, program, and validate new protocols on these instruments, including verifying accuracy and precision against manual methods

Manage inventory for molecular and cell biology consumables; coordinate ordering; monitor reagent lot changes and qualify new lots when needed

Troubleshoot core lab equipment (qPCR/ddPCR instruments, plate readers, centrifuges, biosafety cabinets), escalating service needs appropriately

Coordinate cross-functionally to ensure samples are collected, labeled, stored, and transferred correctly

Share results across company with clear context, controls, and interpretation

What we’re looking for:

• Ability to work on site in our lab spaces located in the California Bay Area – Research park at Marina Village (Alameda, CA)
• Motivated and proactive with strong problem-solving skills.
• Team-oriented and open to collaboration across scientific disciplines.
• Title is dependent on academic and professional experience – we recruit diverse backgrounds including those with academic, non-profit, and industry experiences!
  • RA I – Undergraduate degree 0-2 yrs industry, or similar experience
  • RA II – BS with 2-4 years or MS with 0-2 years of industry, or similar experience
  • Snr RA -- BS with 4+ years or Ms with 2+ years of industry, or similar experience