Senior Research Associate, Molecular Biology & ASOs

Violet Research Institute; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Violet Research Institute in Berkeley is seeking a hands-on Research Associate to Senior Research Associate to support molecular biology and assay development for an active therapeutic program. You will purify nucleic acids, perform qPCR and ddPCR, and work with ASOs in a fast-paced, on-site lab.

The role involves cell culture, imaging readouts, and contributing to assay scale-up while maintaining detailed records and compliance with QC standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, or related life science field.
• 2–4 years hands-on molecular biology and assay development experience.
• Proven documentation, data analysis, and quality practices.

Responsibilities

• Extract and purify nucleic acids (RNA/DNA) from cells and tissues using standard kits.
• Process human specimens (blood, CSF) in a BSC‑2 environment.
• Design, run, and analyze qPCR assays on QuantStudio 5 with TaqMan probes.
• Perform ddPCR on Bio-Rad QX600 with automated droplet generator.
• Quantify antisense oligonucleotide knockdown against target transcripts.
• Maintain rigorous experimental records, QC, and data organization.
• Assist with assay scale-up, optimization, and process refinement.
• Assist with laboratory upkeep (inventory and supplies).
• Support imaging and microscopy-based readouts as needed.
• Adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced, on-site setting.

Skills

Nucleic acid purification

qPCR

ddPCR

Cell culture

NGS experience

Data analysis

Documentation

Lab automation

Lab safety

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in molecular biology or related life science

Tools

Applied Biosystems QuantStudio 5

Bio-Rad QX600

TaqMan probes

Qiagen purification kits

BSC-2 biosafety cabinet

LIMS

GraphPad Prism

Job description

Violet Research Institute in Berkeley is seeking a hands-on Research Associate to Senior Research Associate to support molecular biology and assay development for an active therapeutic program. You will purify nucleic acids, perform qPCR and ddPCR, and work with ASOs in a fast-paced, on-site lab.

The role involves cell culture, imaging readouts, and contributing to assay scale-up while maintaining detailed records and compliance with QC standards.