Senior Research Associate

Stealth Mode Biotech - Pasadena, CA; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Stealth Mode Biotech in Pasadena, CA seeks a Research Associate – Scientist I to join a stealth precision CNS startup. You will perform assays, optimize protocols, establish SOPs, and report progress to the team, contributing to a CNS therapeutic candidate.

In vitro gene circuit expression and protein localization will be assessed across cell lines and in disease-model mice. The role offers hands-on startup experience and opportunities to grow with the company.

Qualifications

• BS/MS degree in biochemical/biomedical research or neuroscience; PhD a bonus but not required.
• Experience with DNA/RNA/protein extraction and quantification; PCR and cloning.
• Experience with ELISAs and Western blots for protein analysis.
• Ability to deliver on timelines; strong organization and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Carry out, optimize, and develop assays; establish written SOPs; report progress to team.
• Laboratory activities to establish gene circuit functionality in vitro and in vivo.
• Collaborate with leadership to advance CNS delivery research.

Skills

DNA/RNA/protein extraction

PCR

Cloning

ELISA

Western blot

In vivo mouse work

AAV delivery

Transwell systems

RNAseq / scRNAseq

Bioinformatic tools

Synthetic biology

Antibody engineering

Phage display

Neuron cell lines derivation

Delivery on timelines

Communication and presentation

Collaboration

Education

BS/MS degree in biochemical/biomedical research or neuroscience

PhD is a bonus

Tools

Bioinformatic tools

Job description

We are a stealth precision CNS startup poised to create the next generation of innovative genetic therapies with life-changing potential for patients with grievous unmet medical needs. We leverage genetic circuits that allow us to quantitatively fix the amount of delivered protein on a cell-by-cell basis to a dosage-independent level, opening treatment for a wide array of diseases in which both protein under- and over-expression cause illness. We have identified lead therapeutic target(s) and secured seed funding and are looking to build our small and efficient team.

We are founded on the idea that diverse backgrounds and skillsets combine to create an environment that stimulates innovation and creativity, which will enable us to become a leader in the precision neuroscience space. Our leadership team is comprised of the scientific founders that developed the underlying intellectual property, and experienced industry veterans with a track record for bringing transformative drugs to market. We will combine next generation engineered delivery vectors with cutting edge gene circuits to bring novel medicines to patients that need them. We are founded upon Caltech science and currently located on the Caltech campus in Pasadena, CA.

Research Associate – Scientist I

We are looking for a passionate early-career scientist to join our team and help accomplish the laboratory tasks necessary to bring a precision CNS therapeutic to market. Main activities will include carrying out, optimizing, and developing assays, establishing written SOPs, and reporting progress to team members. Laboratory activities are aimed at establishing gene circuit functionality (appropriate expression level and protein localization/efficacy) both in vitro in various cell lines and in vivo in disease model mice. With direct interaction with company leadership, you will join a very collaborative small team of scientists aimed at improving and innovating on the current state of CNS delivery and disease correction. A successful candidate will be naturally inquisitive with a strong desire to gain biotech startup experience and grow alongside the company. Laboratory activities will constitute approximately 80% of work hours and responsibilities for the new hire.

Essential Qualifications

• BS/MS degree with relevant experience in biochemical/biomedical research, neuroscience, or related disciplines (PhD is a bonus, but not required)
• Experience with basic molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA/protein extraction and quantification, PCR, cloning, etc.)
• Experience with protein assays such as ELISAs and Western Blots
• Demonstrated ability to deliver on timelines
• Excellent organizational and collaborative skills, with the ability to design and troubleshoot experiments with minimal supervision or as part of a group. This includes the ability to document and maintain detailed laboratory notes.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, as well as the drive to pursue diverse and ever-changing projects as part of a fast-paced startup team.

Preferred Qualifications (several or many of these will ideally apply)

• Experience with synthetic biology
• Experience with antibody engineering
• Experience with phage display
• Experience with transwell systems
• Experience with AAV-based delivery of genetic material
• Experience with in vivo mouse work
• Experience with high-throughput screening
• Experience with next generation sequencing and/or RNAseq/scRNAseq
• Familiarity with basic bioinformatic tools
• Experience with derivation of neuronal cell lines

Compensation and Benefits:

• The well-being of our employees and their families is of the highest importance.
• Compensation package offerings and will be able to discuss details during the interview process.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local laws