Senior Research Associate, Drug Discovery

SLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening); San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 109,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Altos Labs is seeking a Senior Research Associate to join our Drug Discovery team. You will support critical projects by executing a wide range of cellular and biochemical assays, maintaining mammalian cell culture, and contributing to data-driven decision making.

Collaboration and meticulous ELN documentation are essential. The role emphasizes bench-based science (~80%) with exposure to advanced analytical methods and automated platforms, driving progress in aging biology and rejuvenation

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or related field with 5+ years in drug discovery/development.
• Hands-on experience with AAV gene therapy assays including cellular transduction, genome titration (qPCR, ddPCR), and expression analysis (RT-qPCR, ddPCR).
• Experience with analytical and bioassay development and data analysis.
• Familiarity with MSD, HTRF, AlphaLISA, Luminex assay platforms.
• Automation instrument experience (Bravo, Echo, I.DOT, Digital dispenser).
• Proficient ELN documentation and data interpretation.
• Excellent communication and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Drive drug discovery and development projects independently and with the scientific manager.
• Culture and maintain mammalian cells; manage reagents and stocks; contribute to lab maintenance.
• Design, optimize, automate, execute, and troubleshoot cellular, biochemical, and complex in vitro bioassays.
• Standardize and optimize assay protocols and draft SOPs.
• Document methods, raw data, and results in an ELN to ensure reproducibility and data integrity.
• Present data at project team meetings to support decision making.
• Role emphasizes ~80% benchtop science time.

Skills

Molecular biology

Cell biology

Biochemistry

Bioengineering

AAV gene therapy assays

qPCR/ddPCR

RT-qPCR

Western blot

ELISA

Capillary electrophoresis

Data analysis

Statistics

ELN documentation

Communication

Education

BS or MS in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, or related field

Tools

MSD

HTRF

AlphaLISA

Luminex

Bravo

Echo

I.DOT

Digital dispenser

Job description

Our Mission

Our mission is to restore cell health and resilience through cell rejuvenation to reverse disease, injury, and the disabilities that can occur throughout life.

For more information, see our website at altoslabs.com.

Our Value

Our Single Altos Value: Everyone Owns Achieving Our Inspiring Mission.

Diversity at Altos

Altos Labs has been named one of the Top 3 Biotech Companies and ranked for the second year on the Forbes 2026 Best Startups in America list. At Altos, exceptional scientists and industry leaders from around the world work together to advance a shared mission. Our intentional focus is on Belonging, so that all employees know that they are valued for their unique perspectives. We are all accountable for sustaining a diverse and inclusive environment.

What You Will Contribute To Altos

At Altos, your work will be at the heart of our mission to transform medicine by reversing disease and restoring cellular health. You will help develop a new generation of therapeutics rooted in an advanced understanding of cellular rejuvenation and resilience.

We are currently seeking a highly capable and motivated Senior Research Associate to join our Drug Discovery team. In this role, your primary focus will be supporting critical drug discovery and development projects by executing a wide range of biological and bioanalytical assays. We are looking for a dedicated team player who values collaborative success and open communication. Your expertise will directly advance our drug discovery campaigns across a diverse portfolio, making a significant impact on aging biology, rejuvenation, and the future of medicine.

Responsibilities

• Work both independently and collaboratively with the scientific manager to drive drug discovery and development projects.
• Culture and maintain mammalian cells, manage reagents and working stocks in addition to contributing to general lab maintenance.
• Design, optimize, automate, execute, and troubleshoot a range of assays, including cellular, biochemical, and complex in vitro bioassays.
• Standardize and optimize assay protocols and draft assay SOPs.
• Document assay methods, raw data, and results in an electronic laboratory notebook (ELN), ensuring reproducibility and data integrity.
• Make presentations and present data at project team meetings to support decision making.
• The responsibilities of this role are expected to require ~80% of time dedicated to benchtop science.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• BS or MS in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related discipline, and a minimum of 5 years of industry experience in a drug discovery and/or development setting.
• Strong expertise in technical methods in AAV gene therapy for cellular transduction assays (aseptic technique), genome titration (qPCR, ddPCR), transgene expression (RT-qPCR, ddPCR), and protein analysis (Western Blot, ELISA, and capillary electrophoresis).
• Good understanding and hands‑on experience developing and performing a wide range of analytical and bioassays with fluency in data analysis and application of statistical modalities.
• Experience in state‑of-art assay technologies such as MSD, HTRF, AlphaLISA, Luminex, etc.
• Hands on experience in automation instruments and platforms (e.g. Bravo, Echo, I.DOT, Digital dispenser, etc.).
• Proficient in documenting experimental design, analysis and interpretation of data in ELN.
• Excellent data presentation, oral and written communication skills.
• Detail‑oriented, organized, flexible, and capable of multitasking in a fast‑paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working across diverse therapeutic modalities, including viral based gene therapy, mRNA‑LNP or other nucleic acid therapeutics, and small molecules.
• Background in the field of aging/rejuvenation biology.
• Familiarity with assay qualification criteria, processes, and SOP authoring.

The Salary Range For Redwood City

• Senior Research Associate: $109,200 - $140,000

Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.

For UK Applicants, Before Submitting Your Application

• Please click here to read the Altos Labs EU and UK Applicant Privacy Notice (bit.ly/eu_uk_privacy_notice)
• This Privacy Notice is not a contract, express or implied and it does not set terms or conditions of employment.

Equal Opportunity Employment

We value collaboration and scientific excellence.
We believe that a culture of belonging are foundational to scientific innovation and inquiry. At Altos Labs, exceptional scientists and industry leaders from around the world work together to advance a shared mission. Our intentional focus is on Belonging, so that all employees know that they are valued for their unique perspectives. We are all accountable for sustaining an inclusive environment.
Altos Labs provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Altos prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Thank you for your interest in Altos Labs where we strive for a culture of scientific excellence, learning, and belonging.