Senior Research Associate, Platform/R&D

Valid8 Financial, Inc.; Berkeley, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual performance bonuses

Equity grants

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Retirement plan with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Azalea Therapeutics is seeking a Senior Research Associate – Platform/R&D to support molecular biology and analytical workflows, focusing on PCR-based assays, ddPCR, cloning, and NGS-adjacent analysis. The role reports to a Scientist II and emphasizes independent execution and collaboration across teams.

The position is onsite in Berkeley, CA, five days per week, in a fast-paced startup environment that values ownership, rigor, and cross-functional teamwork.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or related life sciences.
• 3+ years of hands-on lab research with molecular biology techniques.
• Experience PCR-based workflows, including qPCR/ddPCR, and cloning.
• Experience with NGS workflows and data analysis.
• Familiarity with scripting and basic bioinformatics concepts.
• Experience in mammalian cell culture and ELNs.

Responsibilities

• Execute molecular biology assays: PCR-based workflows, ddPCR, cloning, sample prep.
• Run and adapt software/pipelines to analyze NGS data.
• Perform routine cloning: Gibson, Golden Gate, restriction cloning; plasmid prep.
• Perform mammalian cell culture and lentiviral vector production.
• Process samples from cell- and tissue-based workflows.
• Generate, organize, and communicate high-quality assay data to R&D teams.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to prioritize samples and troubleshoot workflows.
• Maintain SOPs and contribute to lab process improvements.

Skills

Molecular biology

PCR-based workflows

qPCR/ddPCR

Cloning

NGS data analysis

Bioinformatics basics

Scripting (Python/R)

Mammalian cell culture

Laboratory documentation (ELNs)

Experiment planning

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Molecular Biology/ related life sciences

Tools

KingFisher

NGS workflows software

Flow cytometry (FACS)

Bioinformatics tools

Job description

Department: Platform/R&D Reports to: Scientist II Location: Onsite 5 days per week in Berkeley, CA Employment Type: Full-time FLSA Status: Exempt Bonus/Equity: Eligible

About Azalea

Azalea Therapeutics is enabling precision genome engineering directly inside the body, with an initial focus on creating cancer immunotherapies in vivo. Azalea is pioneering a new way to turn a person’s own T cells into a powerful cancer therapy — directly inside the body. Instead of removing cells and manipulating them in a lab, we use precision genome editing tools to engineer T cells where they already live. At the center of our approach are Enveloped Delivery Vehicles, or EDVs. As highly selective couriers, EDVs are designed to specifically locate T cells within the patient and deliver our genome engineering cargo. Once inside the cell, the anti-cancer agent is inserted into a precise site in the genome, ensuring safe and potent modifications to fortify the T cells against cancers.

Why this matters

We aim to make cell therapy faster and more accessible by avoiding complex manufacturing outside the body.

Our platform is designed for precision, so the right cells are safely programmed to effectively fight cancer.

This technology has the potential to treat a wide range of cancers with a streamlined, scalable process.

Our goal is simple: develop next-generation delivery technologies to bring genetic engineering and cell therapies to more patients.

How We Work

Azalea is building ambitious science in a fast-moving environment. The people who thrive here are accountable, adaptable, rigorous, humble, and direct. Across roles and functions, we look for team members who demonstrate the following:

• Outcome Ownership - We own results, close loops, and follow through without needing to be prompted. We take responsibility for moving work forward and making sure important decisions, deliverables, and handoffs do not fall through the cracks.
• Comfort with Ambiguity - We operate in an early-stage environment where information may be incomplete and priorities may evolve. We clarify quickly, make thoughtful decisions with the information available, and adapt without unnecessary drama.
• High Standards, Low Ego - We care deeply about the quality of the work and the impact it can have for patients. We raise the bar while staying humble, direct, and open to feedback.
• Collaboration and Candor - We share context early, communicate clearly, partner across functions, and operate with transparency. We believe strong collaboration requires both trust and direct communication.

The Opportunity

Azalea Therapeutics is seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Associate – Platform/R&D to join our dynamic and growing team. Reporting to a Scientist II, the Senior Research Associate will support a range of molecular biology and analytical workflows, with an emphasis on PCR-based assays, ddPCR, routine cloning, NGS-adjacent analysis, and cell-based assays. The Senior Research Associate will contribute to research-grade analytics, enable faster sample turnaround, and build redundancy across important lab capabilities.

The ideal candidate is a highly organized and technically strong molecular biologist who enjoys owning experiments from execution through data analysis. This Senior Research Associate should be comfortable working independently, proactively troubleshooting technical challenges, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality data. The successful candidate thrives in a fast-paced startup environment, demonstrates a strong sense of ownership, and is excited to support a broad range of research, development, and analytical activities. This is an onsite role with expectations to be onsite, in our Berkeley office, 5 days per week.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently execute molecular biology assays, including PCR-based workflows, PCR cleanups, ddPCR, routine cloning, and related sample preparation.
• Run and adapt existing software/pipelines to analyze and plot NGS data.
• Perform routine cloning workflows, including Gibson assembly, Golden Gate assembly, restriction enzyme cloning, and plasmid preparation.
• Perform routine cell culture and lentiviral vector production.
• Process samples derived from cell- and tissue-based workflows.
• Generate, organize, and communicate high-quality assay data to internal R&D teams.
• Work cross-functionally with research and analytics team members to prioritize samples, troubleshoot workflows, and ensure timely data generation.
• Maintain clear experimental records, follow established SOPs, and contribute to continuous improvement of lab processes.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a related life sciences discipline.
• 3+ years of hands‑on laboratory research experience in academia or industry with demonstrated expertise in molecular biology techniques.
• Strong experience independently executing PCR-based workflows, including PCR, PCR cleanup, qPCR/ddPCR, nucleic acid quantification and sample preparation.
• Experience performing routine molecular cloning, including Gibson Assembly, Golden Gate Assembly, restriction enzyme cloning, plasmid construction, transformation, and midi/maxi plasmid preparations.
• Experience supporting NGS-related laboratory workflows and analyzing sequencing data using established software tools or analysis pipelines.
• Familiarity with basic bioinformatics tools and scripting environments (e.g. biopython e.g., Biopython, Python, R, or similar) and foundational genomics concepts, including FASTQ and downstream sequencing file formats, sequence alignment, mapping quality, and quality control metrics).
• Hands‑on experience with mammalian cell culture, cell line maintenance, and processing biological samples derived from cell and tissue based experiments.
• Demonstrated ability to independently plan, prioritize, execute, troubleshoot, and document experiments while managing multiple projects in a fast-paced, collaborative research environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret experimental data, identify technical challenges, and implement effective solutions.
• Excellent organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and experience maintaining accurate laboratory documentation, including electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively present data and collaborate across multidisciplinary research teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using KingFisher or similar automated nucleic acid extraction platforms.
• Experience with vector genome, genomic integrity, or biodistribution assays within a gene therapy or viral vector development environment.
• Experience with flow cytometry and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), and associated data analysis.
• Experience with CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing techniques, guide RNA design and validation, and downstream molecular characterization.
• Experience producing and characterizing lentiviral or AAV vectors.
• Prior experience supporting preclinical, IND-enabling, or pre-IND research programs within a biotechnology or pharmaceutical organization.
• Prior experience managing multiple workflows.
• Experience working in a dynamic startup environment, demonstrating flexibility, ownership, and a willingness to support evolving research priorities.
• Proven ability to mentor junior laboratory staff or train colleagues on laboratory techniques and best practices.

What Success Looks Like (first 3–6 months)

• Establish pipelines for routine ddPCR, PCR, and NGS data acquisition.
• Optimize methods for cell processing and genomic analyses.
• Effectively communicate high-quality assay data to internal R&D teams
• Manage detailed notes, protocols, and results.
• Manage time between multiple workflows and teams.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements (as applicable)

• Ability to work in-person at Azalea’s main laboratory space in Berkeley, CA
• Ability to sit and stand throughout the day to complete the job’s responsibilities.

Compensation and Benefits

• The expected salary range for this role based on the primary location for this position in California is $80,000 - $110,000 per year. Offer amounts are determined by factors such as experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. Salary will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, training and market.
• This role is eligible for annual performance bonuses, equity grants, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, retirement plan with company match, and paid time off.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): Azalea is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Reasonable Accommodation: We will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and to individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, consistent with applicable law. To request accommodation, email HR at [HR email].

Applicant Privacy: Azalea collects and uses applicant personal information for recruiting and employment purposes. If applicable, Azalea will provide a California applicant privacy notice describing categories of information collected, purposes, retention, and rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA/CPRA).

Job Description Disclaimer: This job description may change at any time based on business needs. It is not a contract and does not create a promise of employment for any particular duration.