Research Associate II/Senior Research Associate - Discovery Biology

Planet Pharma; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Pharma is seeking a Research Associate II / Senior Research Associate to join the Discovery Biology XTID screening team. You will execute and optimize arrayed cell-based and molecular assays, including CRISPR-related workflows, across multiple cell types and contexts.

The role requires strong bench experience in mammalian cell culture, plate-based assays, and quantitative data analysis, with independence and collaboration across projects in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Biology, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or related field with typically 4+ years hands-on experience.
• Experience executing and optimizing plate-based assays (96-/384-well) with quantitative readouts (NGS, fluorescence, imaging, ELISA, RT-qPCR, ddPCR).
• Strong mammalian cell culture skills and aseptic technique.
• Familiarity with CRISPR/gene editing, cloning, and sample prep for sequencing-based readouts.
• Ability to summarize results clearly and manage multiple experiments with timelines.
• Demonstrated rigor and ability to work independently or in cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Support design, development, optimization, and validation of arrayed screening assays in 96/384-well formats.
• Execute high-throughput cell-based and biochemical assays with quality metrics.
• Produce and QC mRNA or delivery materials as needed for screening workflows.
• Develop and troubleshoot mammalian cell culture workflows across cell models.
• Operate lab automation and liquid-handling to improve throughput and reproducibility.
• Document experiments and results in Benchling/LIMS; communicate findings to team.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Plate-based assays

Molecular biology

Data analysis

CRISPR/gene editing

RT-qPCR

ddPCR

Flow cytometry

Education

BS/MS in Biology or related discipline

Tools

Benchling

LIMS

Job description

Research Associate II / Senior Research Associate - Discovery Biology

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly creative, passionate, and motivated individual to join us in developing the next generation of CRISPR-based therapeutics. This role is for a Research Associate II / Senior Research Associate I to join the XTID screening team within the Discovery Biology department, where you will support the advancement and scaling of gene‑editing platform workflows through high-quality assay execution, optimization, and data generation.

In this position, you will apply strong hands‑on expertise in cell‑based and molecular assays to support arrayed screening workflows that characterize gene‑editing molecules across relevant cell types and therapeutic contexts. You will execute and optimize experiments in plate‑based formats, troubleshoot assay workflows, maintain rigorous documentation, and help improve assay robustness, throughput, and reproducibility.

The ideal candidate brings substantial bench experience in mammalian cell culture, plate‑based assay execution, molecular biology, and quantitative data analysis. You should be comfortable working independently on defined experiments, organizing and prioritizing day‑to‑day activities across multiple concurrent projects, and maintaining exceptional attention to detail in sample tracking, documentation, and experimental execution. Success in this role requires strong organizational skills, effective time management, and the ability to consistently deliver high‑quality data in a fast‑paced environment.

Above all, you should have a genuine passion for developing next‑generation CRISPR therapeutics and bring curiosity, scientific rigor, ownership, and a practical problem‑solving mindset to help move these technologies from the bench toward the clinic.

• Key Duties / Responsibilities: Support the design, development, optimization, and validation of fit‑for‑purpose arrayed screening assays in 96‑well and 384‑well formats to characterize gene‑editing molecules across multiple cell types and therapeutic contexts.
• Execute high‑throughput cell‑based and biochemical assays with attention to robustness, reproducibility, and assay quality metrics such as CV, linearity, and signal window.
• Produce mRNA via in vitro transcription to generate gene‑editing materials for screening, ensuring quality, consistency, and scalability to meet program needs.
• Formulate and produce lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for delivery of gene‑editing cargo, optimizing formulation and process parameters for potency, reproducibility, and throughput.
• Contribute to screening campaigns from experimental setup and sample processing through data capture, quality control, analysis, and interpretation of results.
• Communicate experimental results, technical observations, and key findings to the team through presentations, and participation in team discussions.
• Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot mammalian cell culture workflows, including immortalized, primary, iPSC‑derived, and engineered cell models relevant to therapeutic programs.
• Operate, help troubleshoot and refine laboratory automation and liquid‑handling workflows to improve screening throughput, consistency, and scalability.
• Maintain rigorous documentation in Benchling / LIMS systems and contribute to team best practices for assay robustness, reproducibility, sample tracking, and data quality.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with scientists to ensure efficient coordination of experiments, sample processing, and data delivery.
• Identify and troubleshoot assay or workflow issues, escalating risks appropriately and contributing practical improvements in performance, cost, and turnaround time.
• Maintain strong organizational practices for sample management, reagent inventory, experiment scheduling, and data recording to ensure accurate execution of multiple concurrent projects.
• Knowledge Requirements (Background/Skills/Experience):
• BS/MS in Biology, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or a related discipline, with typically 4+ years of relevant hands‑on experience supporting molecular and cell‑based assay workflows
• Strong hands‑on experience executing and optimizing arrayed assays in plate‑based formats (96-/384‑well), including quantitative readouts such as NGS‑based assays, fluorescence reporters, high‑content imaging, ELISA, viability assays, RT‑qPCR, or ddPCR.
• Strong mammalian cell culture skills, including aseptic technique and experience with immortalized, primary, iPSC‑derived, or engineered cell systems.
• Working familiarity with core molecular biology methods such as cloning, CRISPR/gene editing, stable cell line generation, RT‑qPCR, ddPCR, flow cytometry, and sample preparation for sequencing‑based readouts.
• Ability to clearly summarize experimental results, flag technical risks, and present decision‑enabling data to scientific stakeholders while managing multiple experiments and timelines.
• Demonstrated scientific rigor, strong organizational skills, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced, interdisciplinary team.
• Preferred: familiarity with CRISPR therapeutic approaches, laboratory automation and liquid‑handling platforms.