Research Associate, Clinical Virology

Assembly Biosciences; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

Assembly Bio is seeking a Research Associate in Clinical Virology to support antiviral drug discovery at the South San Francisco site. You will work with the clinical virology team to design and execute assays, analyze data, and generate study summaries.

The role requires a PhD-level–equivalent background in virology/molecular biology, 2–5 years of relevant experience, and comfort with BSL2 workflows. The position is based in South San Francisco, CA, with a focus on cross-functional

Qualifications

• Sc./M.S. or equivalent degree in Virology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or relevant scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 2–5 years of relevant experience in industrial or academic settings, preference given to biomarker and translational research activities.
• Strong expertise in assay development, virology, cell biology, and molecular biology techniques (e.g., viral stock preparation, titration, replication assays; in vitro resistance selection; RT-PCR, qPCR; sequencing; cloning).
• Comfortable working in a BSL2 setting with potentially infectious agents.
• Demonstrated good laboratory practices and BSL2 standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform testing of clinical isolates to assess viral replication, fitness, and drug susceptibility.
• Design and execute in vitro resistance selection experiments.
• Characterize resistance-associated substitutions through phenotypic and genotypic analyses.
• Generate and evaluate recombinant viruses carrying clinically relevant mutations.
• Conduct viral propagation, titration, infectivity, and replication assays.
• Perform nucleic acid extraction, qPCR, RT-qPCR, and related molecular assays.
• Collaborate with senior researchers to analyze data and prepare reports.
• Support multiple projects and learn new techniques as needed.
• Utilize data analysis software and MS Office applications.

Skills

Virology techniques

Molecular biology

Assay development

Data analysis

BSL2 experience

Education

Degree in Virology or related field

Tools

Sanger sequencing

NGS

PCR/qPCR

Molecular cloning

Mutagenesis

GraphPad Prism

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

Position Title: Research Associate, Clinical Virology

Reports to: Associate Director, Clinical Virology

Status: Regular, Full-time, Exempt

Location: South San Francisco, CA

Summary: We are seeking a creative and highly motivated Research Associate to join our Clinical Virology team at our South San Francisco location. You will work closely with members of the clinical virology team to support antiviral drug discovery and development.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to

• Performing testing of clinical isolates to assess viral replication, fitness, and drug susceptibility
• Designing and executing in vitro resistance selection experiments
• Characterizing resistance-associated substitutions through both phenotypic and genotypic analyses
• Generating and evaluating recombinant viruses carrying clinically relevant mutations
• Performing viral propagation, titration, infectivity, and replication assays
• Conducting nucleic acid extraction, qPCR, RT-qPCR, and related molecular assays
• Collaborating with senior research members and cross-functional teams to analyze data, interpret results, and prepare technical reports and study summaries
• Effectively supporting multiple projects and learning new techniques to support novel exploratory discovery work, as needed
• Utilizing data analysis software and MS Office applications
• Participating in general lab maintenance including reagent preparation, ordering of general lab supplies, and maintenance of equipment

This job description outlines the primary duties and responsibilities of the role; however, it is not intended to be all-inclusive. The scope of responsibilities may be modified, expanded, or adjusted at the discretion of the organization to meet evolving business needs.

Qualifications Include:

• Sc./M.S. or equivalent degree in Virology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or relevant scientific discipline
• Minimum of 2 - 5 years of relevant experience in industrial or academic settings, preference given to experience in biomarker and translational research activities.
• Strong expertise in assay development, virology, cell biology, and molecular biology techniques, e.g. viral stock preparation, titration, and replication assays; in vitro resistance selection; (RT)-PCR, (RT)qPCR; Sanger sequencing and NGS; molecular cloning and mutagenesis; data analysis and visualization; etc.
• Must be comfortable working in a BSL2 setting with potentially infectious agents
• Demonstrated expertise in ensuring good laboratory practices and BSL2 standards
• Ability to present experimental rationale and data to other scientists
• Motivated, and proactive molecular virologist and/or cell biologist with desire to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications, GraphPad Prism, molecular cloning programs, and scientific informatics tools for data input, analysis, and management

Pay Range: $87,000 - $91,260 annualized

The stated pay range for this position reflects the San Francisco Bay Area job market. Assembly Bio establishes pay ranges based on geographic work locations. Additional factors such as academic credentials and relevant experience will influence the actual salary offered.

About Assembly Bio

Assembly Bio (NASDAQ: ASMB) is an ambitious biopharmaceutical company with cutting-edge therapeutic candidates capable of improving the lives of millions living with devastating viral and liver diseases. We have multiple ongoing clinical programs focused on the development of novel treatments for herpesviruses, hepatitis delta virus (HDV), cholestatic liver diseases and hepatitis B virus (HBV). Further, our research organization is dedicated to the discovery of new therapies to change the treatment paradigm for individuals living with serious viral and liver diseases.

We pride ourselves on creating a culture and work environment that is scientifically driven, ambitious, and collaborative. We encourage diversity of thought that leads to great innovation and are looking to add great people to our dynamic team who are driven to transform the lives of patients. We set our sights high- and pursue our goals with determination. Our unique organization stands ready to welcome talented, motivated individuals, who share our ambitions.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to diversity and inclusion and will not tolerate discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.

Information for Recruitment Agencies

Assembly Bio does not accept from recruiters/agencies any unsolicited resumes, or any candidate information including blinded resumes and will not be responsible for any fees related to resumes or candidate information that is unsolicited. Please do not contact hiring managers or Assembly Bio employees directly with any information related to a resume or a candidate. We handle all recruiting through our internal Human Resources team, and we will reach out to you directly should we wish to engage in a search. Your willingness to comply with this will significantly impact any decision we may make about doing business with you.