Research Associate II, Biology

PTC Therapeutics, Inc.; Mountain View (CA); On-site; USD 77,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

PTC Therapeutics, Inc. is seeking a Research Associate II, Biology to conduct experiments supporting early-stage research and the identification of New Chemical Entities (NCEs).

This role involves collaboration across disciplines, meticulous noting in ELN, and contributing to lead optimization and SAR efforts. Responsibilities include executing experiments, maintaining detailed notebooks, data communication, and supporting high throughput screening with transfer of findings to project teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, or Neuroscience with 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience in cell biology and molecular biology techniques.
• Proficiency with ELN documentation and cross-functional collaboration.
• Experience in RNA purification, qPCR and data analysis.
• Ability to troubleshoot experiments and maintain detailed notebooks.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in fast-paced environments.
• Knowledge of safety and SOP compliance.

Responsibilities

• Execute experiments and communicate results as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Apply scientific principles to research problems and maintain notebooks.
• Support high throughput screening design and lead optimization assays.
• Document results in ELN and inform next-round design decisions.
• Assist in publications and patent work as appropriate.
• Ensure compliance with safety requirements and SOPs.

Skills

Human tissue culture experience

Cell biology

Molecular biology

RNA purification

qPCR

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Verbal and written communication

Analytical thinking

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related field

2+ years of relevant experience

Tools

Plate readers

High-content imaging

Flow cytometers

Liquid handling

Concentration–response analysis

Job description

PTC Therapeutics is a global commercial biopharmaceutical company. For over 25 years our team has been deeply committed to a unified purpose: Extending life’s moments for children and adults living with a rare disease.

At PTC, we cultivate an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join our team, fostering a strong sense of belonging.

Visit our website to learn more about our company and culture!

Site: www.ptcbio.com

Job Description Summary

The Research Associate II, Biology is responsible for conducting scientific experiments that contribute to research and drug discovery activities at PTC. This position assists in the conduct of early stage research, the goal of which is the identification of New Chemical Entities (NCEs), as well as the advancement of research programs from the identification of screening hits to advanced lead optimization. The incumbent is also responsible for communicating experimental results to his/her supervisor and the project team.

The Research Associate II, Biology supports adherence to all regulatory requirements and company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) including as appropriate.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Responsibilities

Primary duties/responsibilities:

• Under general guidance, executes experiments and communicates results as part of multi-disciplinary team(s).
• Applies relevant scientific principles and techniques to research problems.
• Maintains detailed laboratory notebooks.
• Maintains knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and techniques.
• Ability to trouble shoot experiments -designing controls, generating interpretable data
• Presents findings internally and contributes to the publication of the work of the project team
• Contributes to the development of patent applications as appropriate.
• Complies with all safety requirements.
• Contributes to laboratory needs, such as stock room maintenance and ordering supplies
• Involved in general lab duties as assigned.
• Specific duties may also include, but may not be limited to, the following:
• Provides support for high throughput screening including the design of primary assays, the goal of which is the identification of additional hits and new chemical scaffolds.
• Supports lead optimization and SAR efforts by characterizing compound biological activity across biochemical and cell-based screening assays.
• Conducts mechanism-of-action (MoA) studies using cellular and biochemical methods to help elucidate compound activity and pathway engagement.
• Documents and communicate experimental results in ELN and partnering with cross-functional teams (e.g., chemistry, compound management) to inform next-round compound design and study decisions.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Required

• Human tissue culture experience
• Cell biology and Molecular biology
• Experience in RNA purification, qPCR and analysis
• Minimum level of education and years of relevant work experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in a Biology scientific discipline, preferably Biology, Biochemistry or Neuroscience with 2+ years’ of relevant experience.
• Special knowledge or skills needed and/or licenses or certificates required.
• Demonstrates technical proficiency, and the ability to collaborate with others on cross functional teams in a fast-paced, matrixed, environment consisting of internal and external team members.
• Possesses knowledge of scientific principles and concepts and keeps current with relevant scientific literature.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office- preferably MS Excel and MS PowerPoint.
• Effective verbal and written communication and skills.
• Analytical thinker with problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.
• Effective planning, organization and time management skills including the ability to support and prioritize multiple projects.
• Special knowledge or skills and/or licenses or certificates preferred.
• Working knowledge of standard molecular and cell biology techniques, with the ability to apply them in routine laboratory workflows.
• Demonstrated experience supporting screening workflows, including plate-based assays in 96- and 384-well formats, liquid handling, and hit confirmation/triage.
• Demonstrated experience with compound handling and dosing, including preparing DMSO stocks, performing serial dilutions, executing plate mapping, and analyzing concentration–response data.
• Proficiency with common discovery instrument platforms (e.g., plate readers, high-content imaging, flow cytometers), including basic upkeep and first-line troubleshooting.
• Travel requirements
• Up to 5%
• Physical requirements (only note if the job requires physical capacity beyond general office work)
• Office/Laboratory based position

Expected Base Salary Range: $77,100 - $97,000. The base salary offered will be contingent on assessment of candidate education level, background, and experience relative to the requirements of the position they are being considered for, as well as review of internal equity.

In addition to base salary, PTC employees are also eligible for short- and long-term incentives. All eligible employees may also enroll in PTC’s medical, dental, vision, and retirement savings plans.

PTC Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, age, physical characteristics, social origin, disability, religion, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, veteran status or any unlawful criterion under applicable law. We are committed to treating all applicants fairly and avoiding discrimination.