Research Associate II, Product Development

askbio; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

AskBio Inc. is a Research Associate II role focused on supporting early cardiovascular programs with a broad set of molecular biology and cell culture techniques. The candidate will execute qPCR/ddPCR, ELISA, SDS-PAGE, and Western blot workflows while maintaining detailed data records and contributing to study reports.

Based in RTP, NC, this office-based position reports to the Senior Scientist, Product Development and emphasizes collaboration, quality data, and adherence to safety standards.

Qualifications

• MS in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or related field; or BS with 2+ years’ relevant lab experience; or HS diploma with 6+ years’ experience.
• Hands-on experience with DNA/RNA isolation, SDS-PAGE, qPCR/ddPCR, and Western blot.
• Mammalian cell culture experience and aseptic technique.
• Ability to follow established protocols with minimal supervision and deliver reliable results.

Responsibilities

• Support scientists in experimental design and execution for protein, RNA, and DNA analyses.
• Perform cell culture, molecular assays, and related techniques to support gene therapy R&D.
• Process and analyze large sample sets while ensuring quality and reproducibility.
• Maintain accurate electronic lab notebook records and support inventory management.
• Develop and optimize experimental protocols; contribute to data interpretation and study reports.
• Ensure lab safety and organization; assist with instrument maintenance and reagent stock.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular biology techniques

qPCR/ddPCR

ELISA

SDS-PAGE

Western blot

Data documentation

Team collaboration

Education

MS in Molecular Biology

MS in Biochemistry

BS in Molecular Biology/Biochemistry

High School Diploma + 6+ years lab experience

Tools

Jess

qPCR instruments

SDS-PAGE apparatus

DNA/RNA isolation kits

Biosafety practices

Job description

AskBio Inc., a wholly owned and independently operated subsidiary of Bayer AG, is a fully integrated gene therapy company dedicated to developing life‑saving medicines and changing lives. The company maintains a portfolio of clinical programs across a range of neuromuscular, central nervous system, cardiovascular, and metabolic disease indications with a clinical‑stage pipeline that includes investigational therapeutics for congestive heart failure, limb‑girdle muscular dystrophy, multiple system atrophy, Parkinson’s disease, and Pompe disease. AskBio’s gene therapy platform includes Pro10™, an industry‑leading proprietary cell line manufacturing process, and an extensive array of capsids and promoters. With global headquarters in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, and European headquarters in Edinburgh, Scotland, the company has generated hundreds of proprietary capsids and promoters, several of which have entered pre‑clinical and clinical testing.

Our vision: Pioneering science to create transformative molecular medicines.

Our mission: Lead innovative science and drive clinical outcomes to transform people's lives.

Our principles:

• Advance innovative science by pushing boundaries.
• Bring transformative therapeutics to patients in need.
• Provide an environment for employees to reach their fullest potential.

Our values:

• Be a Pioneer. We are not afraid of the impossible and to innovate to make gene therapies accessible to those in need.
• Cultivate Collaboration. Strive to be the best teammate, actively listen, openly communicate, and embrace diverse points of view.
• Embrace Responsibility. We are humbled by the enormity of our mission.We hold a relentless commitment to advance science and clinical outcomes for our patients, families, and caregivers.
• Raise the Bar. Continuously drive improvements and efficiencies. Seek and provide constructive feedback. Have a bias for learning and action.
• Act with Uncompromising Integrity. Be honest, transparent, and committed to doing what’s right in every situation. Make clear commitments and follow through.

Position Summary

The Research Associate II is a technical role utilizing a broad range of experimental techniques to support platform, therapeutic pipelines, and R&D activities, with a primary focus on early cardiovascular programs. The RA II will perform optimization, development, and data delivery with increased independence, supporting key preclinical studies in gene therapy R&D.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Direct expertise with mammalian cell culture, including primary and immortalized cell systems, and strong aseptic technique
• Direct experience with quantitative molecular biology techniques, including isolation of DNA, RNA, and protein from cells and tissues; quantitative PCR and RT-PCR (preference for direct experience with ddPCR); ELISA; SDS-PAGE; and Western blot/automated Western (e.g., Jess)
• Strong data collection, documentation, and reporting skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a research team

This position is office-based based in RTP, NC and reports to the Senior Scientist, Product Development.

Job Responsibilities

• Support scientists in the design, planning, and execution of experiments to analyze protein, RNA, and DNA from in vitro and in vivo studies, contributing to key studies in gene therapy R&D
• Perform a broad range of experimental techniques independently (e.g., cell culture, nucleic acid and protein extraction, qPCR/RT-qPCR/ddPCR, ELISA, SDS-PAGE, Western blot/Jess, and related assays) to support platform and therapeutic programs
• Process, track, and analyze large numbers of samples in parallel while maintaining high quality and consistency in assay execution
• Maintain accurate, up to date records of all experimental work in electronic lab notebooks; support maintenance of databases, sample inventories, and reagent inventories as needed
• Assist in the development and optimization of experimental protocols; contribute to assay and workflow improvements
• Generate high quality, reproducible data and contribute to data analysis, interpretation, and presentation
• Contribute to and/or author study reports and study protocols
• Ensure laboratory areas are clean, safe, and well organized; monitor and restock common reagents and supplies; support proper operation and routine maintenance of equipment; and adhere to all safety and compliance guidelines
• Help coach and support peers within the workgroup (e.g., sharing best practices, cross training on internal assays) to enable effective day‑to‑day workflow

Minimum Requirements

• MS in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or related field; or BS degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or related field with 2+ years’ relevant laboratory experience; or High School Diploma with 6+ years’ relevant laboratory experience
• Hands‑on experience with molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA isolation, SDS-PAGE, qPCR/ddPCR, and Western blot
• Prior experience with mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique
• Ability to follow established protocols with minimal supervision and deliver reliable, reproducible results

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills

• Experience in NGS library production and sequencing is highly desired
• Comfort working across diverse experimental workflows and learning new techniques as project needs evolve

AskBio Inc. (AskBio) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status prohibited under Federal, State or local laws. All employment decisions are based on valid job‑related requirements. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website, you may request a reasonable accommodation to express interest in a specific opening by calling us at [phone] or sending us an email at [e-mail].