Research Associate II, Konermann Lab

Arc Institute; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Arc Institute is seeking a Research Associate II in Palo Alto to work in the Konermann Lab. This role involves performing advanced CRISPR technologies to investigate neurodegenerative diseases, with responsibilities including molecular experiments and collaborative project work. Candidates should have a BS/MS or equivalent experience, alongside a minimum of 2 years of lab experience with cell culture. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential. This position provides an opportunity for career development within biomedical research.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of relevant experience including hands-on cell culture techniques.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform molecular and cellular experiments including mammalian cell culture and transfection.
• Conduct large-scale screening of genetic modifiers of neurological diseases.
• Collaborate with a scientist in the lab on various techniques.

Skills

Cell culture techniques

Critical thinking

Problem-solving

Oral communication

Written communication

Education

BS/MS in cellular biology, neuroscience, immunology, or related field

Tools

CRISPR technologies

RT-qPCR

Western blot

Job description

Arc Institute is an independent nonprofit research organization at the interface of artificial intelligence and biology, working to accelerate scientific progress and understand the root causes of complex diseases. Founded in 2021 and based in Palo Alto, Arc partners with Stanford University, UC Berkeley, and UC San Francisco.

Unlike academia, our scientists have long-term funding and industry-like resources. Unlike industry, they’re free to pursue high-risk, long-term research without commercial pressures. Arc’s Technology Centers and Core Investigator labs work side by side, integrating experimental and computational biology under one roof to tackle problems neither could solve alone.

Our two Institute Initiatives reflect this model in action:

• Virtual Cell Initiative: Building a full-stack virtual cell model to identify disease mechanisms and nominate drug targets, accelerating the path from biological insight to clinical trials.
• Alzheimer's Disease Initiative: Mapping the genes, pathways, and environmental factors behind Alzheimer’s disease to develop drug candidates that address root causes.

More than 300 Arconauts work together at our Palo Alto headquarters, backed by substantial long-term philanthropic funding.

About the position

This is a Research Associate II position in the Konermann Lab at Arc Institute and the Stanford Medical School Department of Biochemistry, working closely with a scientist in the lab to identify the key pathways that drive the progression of neurodegenerative diseases using advanced CRISPR technologies and functional assays.

About You

• You are curious and eager to learn about unsolved questions in biological medicine.
• You love to tackle difficult biological problems that are critical to advancing mechanistic understanding and therapeutics for neurodegeneration.
• Perseverance and critical thinking are your strengths in testing hypotheses and designing experiments.
• You are detail-oriented. You are careful and diligent about good documentation practices and good lab practices.
• You love to collaborate and help others. Science is a team effort and you pride yourself in taking the initiative to help out.

In this position, you will:

• Perform molecular and cellular experiments including mammalian cell culture, transfection, Western blot, RT‑qPCR, and immunostaining.
• Perform imaging‑based screening at the organelle level (particularly, lysosome and lipid droplet).
• Perform lipid‑based assay including lipid extraction and lipidomics.
• Collaborate closely with a scientist in the laboratory to conduct large‑scale screening of genetic modifiers of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease using stem cell–derived brain models.
• Learn various cutting‑edge techniques while participating in a project at the intersection of neuroscience, stem cell biology, and genomics.
• Learn to conduct experimental planning, execution, analysis, troubleshooting, and data interpretation with a high degree of independence and continued support from the rest of the team. This is a good opportunity for candidates before enrolling in a PhD program as you will be involved in all stages of a project under the guidance of an experienced scientist.
• You will also have a broad range of experience in collaboration with a cross‑functional team to develop your expertise in biomedical research to build your career in the R&D sector of the industry if you are interested in that career path.

Job Requirements

• BS/MS or equivalent professional experience in cellular biology, neuroscience, immunology, or another relevant field.
• 2+ years of relevant experience (including independent lab work during your undergraduate studies) incorporating strong hands‑on experience with cell culture techniques and cell‑based assays.
• Strong critical thinking and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.