Staff Research Associate

CxT Discovery; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Retirement Plan

HSA/FSA

Job summary

CxT Discovery is a non-profit focused research organization launching drug discovery campaigns against proteins central to human biology. It provides chemical matter as a public good to accelerate discovery and enable novel therapeutics.

The role supports early-stage screening through assay development and data analysis in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. The candidate is expected to contribute to assay execution, mechanism-of-action studies, and data interpretation, with a focus on

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant life sciences field with 2+ years of research experience.
• Hands-on laboratory experience in molecular biology, protein biochemistry, or related areas.
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to generating accurate, reproducible data.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment.

Responsibilities

• Execute biochemical, molecular biology, and protein characterization experiments to support multiple drug discovery programs.
• Develop, optimize, validate, and implement new biochemical, molecular, and cellular assays.
• Perform mechanism-of-action studies to support early-stage screening of drug candidates.
• Independently perform routine experimental workflows and troubleshoot issues.
• Analyze data, summarize findings, and communicate results to project teams.
• Maintain detailed lab notebooks and records.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary discovery teams to support objectives.

Skills

Molecular biology

Protein biochemistry

Cellular assays

Data analysis

Experiment design

Education

BS or MS in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biotechnology

Job description

About CxT:

CxT Discovery, a non-profit focused research organization (FRO), is launching drug discovery campaigns against proteins central to human biology but historically neglected by industry. By providing chemical matter as a public good, CxT aims to accelerate biological discovery and enable the development of novel therapeutics. Through freely distributed drug-quality tool compounds, CxT supports the broader research community in advancing scientific innovation. More information is available at CxTDiscovery.org and LinkedIn.

• About You: CxT is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate with expertise in molecular biology, cellular assays, and biochemical assay development to support early-stage drug discovery screening programs.This role is ideal for a hands-on experimental scientist who will contribute to assay execution and data analysis to advance therapeutic discovery efforts.

Responsibilities:

• Execute biochemical, molecular biology, and protein characterization experiments to support multiple drug discovery programs.
• Assist in the development, optimization, validation, and implementation of new biochemical, molecular, and cellular assays.
• Perform mechanism-of-action studies to support early-stage screening of drug candidates.
• Independently perform routine experimental workflows and troubleshoot common technical issues.
• Analyze experimental data, summarize findings, and effectively communicate results to project teams.
• Maintain detailed, accurate, and organized laboratory notebooks and experimental records.
• Collaborate with scientists across multidisciplinary discovery programs to support project objectives and organizational priorities.

Qualifications:

• BS or MS in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biotechnology, or a related discipline, with 2+ years of research experience in academia and/or industry.
• Hands-on laboratory experience in molecular biology, protein biochemistry, or related disciplines.
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to generating accurate, reproducible experimental data.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary and fast-paced research environment.
• Experience with cellular assays and gene manipulation techniques is preferred.
• Experience with small-molecule drug discovery programs or assay development is preferred.

Professional Development:

• CxT aims to publish impactful scientific discoveries and openly share high-quality research tools with the scientific community.
• Scientific contributions will directly support cutting-edge drug discovery programs and may be recognized through publications, presentations, and collaborative research opportunities.
• The successful candidate will become part of a collaborative scientific community through interactions with CxT researchers, UC Berkeley, and external partners.

EEO Statement:

CxT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against qualified applicants based upon any protected group status, including but not limited to race, religion, color, creed, sex (including breastfeeding and related conditions), gender identity/gender expression, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability or medical condition as defined by applicable equal opportunity laws.

Benefits and Compensation:

CxT provides a competitive benefits package that includes access to Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Health Savings Account (HSA) and/or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), a retirement plan and DTO.

The anticipated salary range for fully qualified candidates applying for this role will be $65,000 - 85,000 annually (not including discretionary bonus and benefits). The final salary offered will be dependent on several factors that include but are not limited to relevant previous experience including duration and type of experience within the industry and education.