Research Associate (Levels II and III) - Zhou Lab

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

Protein Biochemistry and IDR Sample Production

The Zhou Lab at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging is seeking an experienced Research Associate (level II and III) to support a multidisciplinary research program investigating the conformational and functional biology of intrinsically disordered proteins and regions (IDPs/IDRs).

This is an experienced research position intended for a scientist capable of independently executing and optimizing technically demanding experimental workflows. The Research Associate will work closely with postdoctoral researchers and other members of the project team and will play a major role in large-scale protein production, quality control, sample preparation, and biochemical characterization.

KEY 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.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, chemistry, protein science, or a related field, with substantial relevant research experience.
• Extensive hands-on experience in recombinant protein expression and purification.
• Demonstrated 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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Direct experience purifying and handling intrinsically disordered proteins or IDR-containing proteins is highly preferred.
• Experience with difficult, aggregation-prone, low-complexity, or phase-separating proteins.
• Experience with affinity chromatography, ion exchange, SEC, protein concentration/formulation, electrophoresis, and quantitative protein assays.
• Experience preparing samples for mass spectrometry, HDX-MS, structural biology, or other high-end analytical platforms.
• Experience establishing standardized protein-production or QC workflows.
• Familiarity with automation or high-throughput protein production would be advantageous.

This position would be an excellent fit for an experienced research professional who enjoys hands-on experimental work and building reliable protein-production pipelines.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Annual salary: RA II $65,000 - $80,000; RA III $70,500 - $90,000 depending on skills and experience
• Comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision coverage, paid time off, paid parental leave, 401(k) employer contribution, and a student debt repayment option.

ABOUT THE BUCK

The Buck Institute for Research on Aging is the first independent biomedical research institute in the United States devoted solely to research on aging. Located in Novato, California, the Buck brings together scientists across multiple disciplines to study the mechanisms of aging and age-related disease to help people live better, longer.

The Buck Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from candidates whose experiences and perspectives will contribute to the diversity and excellence of our community.