Research Associate II/III: IDR Protein Production & QC

Buck Institute; Novato (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision coverage

401(k) employer contribution

Paid time off

Paid parental leave

Student debt repayment option

Job summary

The Buck Institute for Research on Aging in Novato, CA, seeks an experienced Research Associate (RA II/III) to drive protein production and QC for IDR-containing proteins in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary team.

The role emphasizes independent execution of complex workflows, optimization of purification strategies, and close collaboration with postdoctoral researchers to advance biochemical characterization and sample readiness for downstream analyses.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, chemistry, protein science, or a related field with substantial relevant research experience.
• Extensive hands-on recombinant protein expression and purification experience.
• Ability to independently execute established protocols and troubleshoot technically challenging experiments.
• Strong laboratory organization, record keeping, and sample-management skills.
• Experience managing multiple experimental samples or workflows in parallel.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-moving multidisciplinary research environment.

Responsibilities

• Carry out protein expression, purification, and quality control for a large collection of IDR-containing proteins in human cells.
• Optimize purification and handling protocols for proteins that may be unstable, aggregation-prone, highly charged, or structurally heterogeneous.
• Perform routine and advanced protein characterization and maintain standardized QC criteria across protein batches.
• Prepare and document samples for transfer to collaborating laboratories performing single-molecule profiling, HDX-MS, protein-interactome, and related assays.
• Support in vitro protein interaction, condensation, aggregation, and binder-characterization experiments.
• Maintain detailed sample inventories, batch records, QC documentation, and transfer manifests.
• Assist with implementation and scaling of reproducible experimental workflows.
• Work closely with the postdoctoral fellow to troubleshoot experimental problems and improve throughput and reproducibility.
• Contribute to preparation of technical reports and milestone documentation.

Skills

Protein expression

Protein purification

Troubleshooting

Sample management

Record keeping

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in relevant field

Tools

Affinity chromatography

Ion exchange

SEC

Protein assays

Mass spectrometry prep

Automation / high-throughput

Job description

The Buck Institute for Research on Aging in Novato, CA, seeks an experienced Research Associate (RA II/III) to drive protein production and QC for IDR-containing proteins in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary team.

The role emphasizes independent execution of complex workflows, optimization of purification strategies, and close collaboration with postdoctoral researchers to advance biochemical characterization and sample readiness for downstream analyses.