Research Associate II, Biology

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

Benefits offered by this job

Short- and long-term incentives

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

PTC Therapeutics, Inc. in Mountain View, CA is seeking a Research Associate II, Biology to perform experiments essential for early drug discovery. You will contribute to screening, lead optimization and MoA studies while communicating results to the project team.

The role requires knowledge of cell and molecular biology, tissue culture and RNA-based assays, with strong documentation and teamwork skills in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a Biology-related field with 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience in cell biology and molecular biology techniques.
• Experience with RNA purification, qPCR and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Execute experiments and communicate results as part of multidisciplinary teams.
• Support high-throughput screening design and lead optimization efforts.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and SOP compliance.
• Document findings and contribute to publications and patent applications where appropriate.
• Assist with inventory, equipment maintenance and ordering supplies.

Skills

Tissue culture experience

Cell biology

Molecular biology

qPCR and RNA analysis

MS Excel

MS PowerPoint

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry or Neuroscience

Tools

Microsoft Office

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

Primary duties/responsibilities:

• Under generalguidance, executes experimentsand communicates resultsas part ofmulti-disciplinaryteam(s).
• Appliesrelevantscientificprinciplesandtechniquestoresearchproblems.
• Maintainsdetailedlaboratorynotebooks.
• Maintainsknowledgeofstate-of-the-artprinciplesandtechniques.
• Abilitytotroubleshootexperiments-designingcontrols,generatinginterpretabledata
• Presentsfindingsinternallyandcontributestothepublicationoftheworkoftheprojectteam
• Contributestothedevelopmentofpatentapplicationsasappropriate.
• Complieswithallsafetyrequirements.
• Contributestolaboratoryneeds,suchasstockroommaintenanceandorderingsupplies
• Involvedingenerallabdutiesasassigned.
• Specificdutiesmayalsoinclude,butmaynotbelimitedto,thefollowing:
• * Providessupportforhighthroughputscreeningincludingthedesignofprimaryassays,thegoal ofwhichistheidentification ofadditionalhitsandnewchemicalscaffolds.
• * 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.

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EEO Statement:

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.