Senior Research Associate, Drug Discovery

CHEManager International; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 109,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Altos Labs seeks a Senior Research Associate to support drug discovery and development by executing a wide range of biological and bioanalytical assays. The role centers on aging biology and cellular rejuvenation, contributing to a portfolio of therapeutic projects.

You will work collaboratively within the Drug Discovery team, maintaining high data standards, presenting findings, and contributing to the bench-heavy efforts essential to advancing our lead candidates.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or related discipline with 5+ years in drug discovery.
• Strong expertise in AAV gene therapy cell-based assays and genome titration.
• Experience with analytical and bioassays with solid data analysis and statistics.
• Experience with MSD, HTRF, AlphaLISA, Luminex, etc.
• Automation platforms (Bravo, Echo, I.DOT, Digital dispenser) on bench.
• Proficient in documenting experimental design, analysis and data interpretation in ELN.

Responsibilities

• Drive drug discovery and development projects with scientific manager.
• Culture and maintain mammalian cells and manage reagents.
• Design, optimize, automate, execute and troubleshoot a range of cellular and biochemical assays.
• Standardize assay protocols and draft SOPs.
• Document methods, data and results in ELN with reproducibility in mind.
• Present data at project team meetings to support decisions.
• Approx. 80% time on benchtop science.

Skills

AAV gene therapy assays

qPCR / ddPCR

RT-qPCR / ddPCR

Western Blot / ELISA

Data analysis & statistics

Education

BS or MS in Molecular Biology/Cell Biology/Biochemistry/ Bioengineering

Tools

ELN

Automation platforms (Bravo, Echo, I.DOT)

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.

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.