Research Associate – Target Discovery

Planet Pharma; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Pharma is seeking a Research Associate to support characterization of novel cancer targets with a strong foundation in mammalian cell culture. You will execute and optimize experiments, generate high-quality data, and contribute to analysis alongside a cross-functional team of scientists, computational biologists, and immunologists. The level (RA vs.

SRA) will depend on experience. You will maintain cell lines, perform target validation experiments, and help analyze and present findings

Qualifications

• BS/BA in immunology, molecular/cell biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, or related field.
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and record-keeping.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with a team focus.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, expand, and bank mammalian cell lines and primary cells with sterile technique.
• Execute target validation experiments using cell lines and primary human samples.
• Perform cell-based and protein assays (flow cytometry, ELISA, Western blot) and optimize protocols.
• Analyze and visualize data and summarize results for the team.
• Maintain detailed records of experiments, reagents, and outcomes in electronic notebooks.
• Contribute to general lab operations, including reagent prep and inventory.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Aseptic technique

Record-keeping

Communication

Team collaboration

Learning mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in immunology, molecular/cell biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, or related field

Tools

Benchling

FlowJo

Prism

Excel

R/Python

Job description

Research Associate – Target Discovery

As a Research Associate, you will support experimental efforts to characterize novel cancer targets, with a strong foundation in mammalian cell culture. You will execute and help optimize experiments, generate high-quality data, and contribute to analysis and interpretation alongside a cross-functional team of scientists, computational biologists, and immunologists. The level of the role (RA vs. SRA) will be determined by experience.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain, expand, and bank mammalian cell lines and primary cells using sterile technique, including thawing, passaging, cryopreservation, and routine quality checks(e.g., mycoplasma testing).
• Execute target validation experiments using cell lines and primary human samples to support the identification of novel immunotherapy targets.
• Perform cell-based and protein assays (e.g., flow cytometry, ELISA, Western blot, protein quantification) and help optimize protocols and workflows.
• Analyze and visualize experimental data, and summarize results for review with the broader team.
• Maintain detailed, organized records of experiments, reagents, and outcomes in an electronic lab notebook.
• Contribute to general lab operations, including reagent preparation, inventory, and equipment upkeep.
• Present data at internal team meetings and contribute to the presentation of findings(slide deck, white paper, publication) as needed.

Qualifications, Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:

B.S. in immunology, molecular/cell biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, or a related field, with hands-on laboratory experience in the areas below.

Required:

• Demonstrated hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, including aseptic technique and maintenance of multiple cell lines.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and record-keeping.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with a demonstrated ability to work as part of a team.
• Eagerness to learn new techniques and take on increasing responsibility in a fast-paced startup environment.

Preferred experience:

• ELISA and other immunoassays
• Western blotting
• Protein quantification assays (e.g., BCA, Bradford)
• Flow cytometry (e.g., antibody staining, panel setup, data analysis in FlowJo)
• Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Prism, Excel; R or Python a plus)
• Experience using electronic notebooks (e.g., Benchling)