Research Assistant

BioPhase Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

BioPhase Inc. in San Diego seeks a Research Associate to join its In Vitro Biology team.

This hands-on laboratory role supports evaluation of siRNA and antisense oligonucleotide compounds using molecular biology, cell-based assays, and measurements of drug activity. The ideal candidate has at least two years of laboratory experience, strong experimental and analytical skills, and familiarity with gene-silencing technologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a life sciences discipline with laboratory-focused coursework.
• Minimum two years of laboratory experience in biology.
• Experience with gene-silencing technologies such as siRNA and antisense oligonucleotides.
• Proven ability to design experiments, analyze data, and present results clearly.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work in a fast-paced, early-stage environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute in vitro assays to evaluate siRNA and antisense oligonucleotides on RNA transcripts and protein expression.
• Perform molecular and cell-based assays including RNA transfection, RNA/protein isolation, RT-qPCR, RNA sequencing, Western blotting, and immunocytochemistry.
• Execute protein chemistry and target-validation protocols (e.g., SDS-PAGE, ELISA, Western blot).
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures and support routine workflows.
• Collaborate with colleagues to validate compounds and evaluate new technologies.
• Design experiments, analyze data, and interpret results for research decisions.
• Maintain thorough documentation of methods, workflows, and results.
• Present findings to colleagues and management and communicate updates.
• Support additional research activities as needed.

Skills

Analytical skills

Experiment design

Written and verbal communication

Adaptability

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in life sciences

Tools

ELISA

RNA transfection

RT-qPCR

RNA sequencing

SDS-PAGE

Western blotting

Immunocytochemistry

Mammalian cell culture

Job description

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., with flexibility as needed

Weekly Hours: 40

Reports To: Principal Scientist, Biology

BioPhase is seeking a Research Associate to join an innovative biotechnology company’s In Vitro Biology team. This hands-on laboratory role will support the evaluation of siRNA and antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) compounds using molecular biology, cell-based assays, and measurements of drug activity.

The ideal candidate brings at least two years of laboratory experience, strong experimental and analytical skills, and familiarity with gene-silencing technologies. You will collaborate with scientists to validate compounds, evaluate novel technologies, and generate data that supports research decisions in a dynamic, early-stage environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute in vitro assays to evaluate the effects of siRNA and antisense oligonucleotides on RNA transcripts, protein expression, and other project-specific endpoints.
• Perform molecular and cell-based assays, including RNA transfection, RNA and protein isolation, RT-qPCR, RNA sequencing, Western blotting, and fluorescence immunocytochemistry.
• Execute protein chemistry and target-validation protocols, including SDS-PAGE, ELISA, and Western blotting.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures and support routine cell-based laboratory workflows.
• Collaborate with colleagues on experiments supporting compound validation and technology evaluation.
• Design experiments, analyze complex data, and interpret experimental findings.
• Maintain clear, accurate documentation of experimental methods, workflows, and results.
• Present findings and communicate research updates to colleagues and management.
• Support additional research activities and laboratory responsibilities as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant life sciences discipline.
• At least two years of laboratory experience.
• Familiarity with ELISA, siRNA, antisense oligonucleotides, and gene silencing.
• Relevant experience in molecular biology and cell biology.
• Ability to independently design experiments, analyze data, and interpret and present results.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong quantitative, computational, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in an entrepreneurial, early-stage research environment.

Preferred Background

• Biotechnology industry experience is strongly preferred.
• Experience with RNA transfection, mammalian cell culture, RNA and protein isolation, and gene-expression analysis.
• Experience with RT-qPCR, RNA sequencing, ELISA, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, or fluorescence immunocytochemistry.
• Exposure to in vivo assays or measurements of drug activity.