Research Associate: Protein Production & IDR Biochemistry

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision coverage

Paid time off

Paid parental leave

401(k) employer contribution

Student debt repayment option

Job summary

The Buck Institute for Research on Aging in Novato, CA, is seeking an experienced Research Associate (level II/III) to support a multidisciplinary program studying intrinsically disordered proteins and IDRs. The role focuses on large-scale protein production, QC, sample prep, and biochemical characterization.

You will work with postdocs to optimize workflows, manage multiple samples, document records, and contribute to technical reports and milestone documentation.

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.

Responsibilities

• Carry out protein expression, purification, and quality control for IDR-containing proteins.
• Optimize purification and handling protocols for unstable or heterogeneous proteins.
• Perform routine and advanced protein characterization and maintain QC criteria across batches.
• Prepare and document samples for transfer to collaborating labs with advanced assays.
• Support in vitro protein interaction, condensation, and binder-characterization experiments.
• Maintain detailed sample inventories, batch records, QC documentation, and transfer manifests.
• Assist with implementation and scaling of reproducible experimental workflows.
• Troubleshoot problems with postdoctoral colleagues to improve throughput and reproducibility.
• Contribute to preparation of technical reports and milestone documentation.

Skills

Protein expression & purification

Experimental troubleshooting

Lab organization & record-keeping

Parallel workflow management

Collaboration in multidisciplinary –?

Education

Biochemistry / Molecular Biology degree

Tools

Affinity chromatography

Ion exchange chromatography

Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC)

Electrophoresis

Quantitative protein assays

Job description

The Buck Institute for Research on Aging in Novato, CA, is seeking an experienced Research Associate (level II/III) to support a multidisciplinary program studying intrinsically disordered proteins and IDRs. The role focuses on large-scale protein production, QC, sample prep, and biochemical characterization.

You will work with postdocs to optimize workflows, manage multiple samples, document records, and contribute to technical reports and milestone documentation.