Research Associate: Biochemistry & Protein Engineering

merge.io; California; On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Merge Labs in California seeks a Research Associate to work with scientists on protein systems that report neural activity. You will design and execute assays, express and purify proteins, and perform cell-based experiments to understand assembly and function.

You will analyze data, help shape hypotheses, maintain records, and increasingly own experimental design. Strong attention to detail, collaboration, and written documentation are essential.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in biochemistry, structural biology, or a related field.
• Experience using biochemical or biophysical methods to characterize protein structure, dynamics, or protein-protein interactions.
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, transfection, and cell-based assays.
• Curiosity, attention to detail, and a systematic approach to troubleshooting.
• Strong documentation, communication, and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute assays to uncover how protein complexes assemble in a poorly understood biochemical system.
• Express and purify proteins, reconstitute complexes, and perform cell-based assays to determine the roles of individual proteins.
• Characterize how variants affect protein function to guide engineering efforts.
• Analyze and present findings to help shape hypotheses and design follow-up experiments.
• Maintain detailed experimental records and organized protein, plasmid, and cell inventories.

Skills

Biochemistry

Structural biology

Protein-protein interactions

Mammalian cell culture

Transfection

Cell-based assays

Cloning

Mutagenesis

Plasmid preparation

Documentation

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Biochemistry or Structural Biology

Tools

Biochemical methods

Biophysical methods

Protein expression

Job description

Merge Labs in California seeks a Research Associate to work with scientists on protein systems that report neural activity. You will design and execute assays, express and purify proteins, and perform cell-based experiments to understand assembly and function.

You will analyze data, help shape hypotheses, maintain records, and increasingly own experimental design. Strong attention to detail, collaboration, and written documentation are essential.