B.S., B.A., or MS in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or related field
2-4 years (M.S.) or 4-6 years (B.S./B.A.) of lab experience in protein science
Expertise in protein expression using mammalian cell lines and/or microbial systems
Hands-on experience with high-throughput protein quality control and biophysical characterization
Experience with mammalian cell lines and performing cell-based assays, including flow cytometry
Strong attention to detail and documentation habits
A proactive, resourceful attitude towards problem-solving
Responsibilities
Execute protein expression experiments across various host systems and scales
Run protein characterization assays like SPR, BLI, and developability assays
Perform cell-based binding and functional assays targeting cell-surface candidates
Oversee day-to-day operation and organization of a cell culture facility
Maintain detailed experimental records in electronic lab notebooks (ELN)
Collaborate with scientists and cross-functional teams to ensure timely workflow execution
Benefits
Opportunity to innovate in scientific research
Collaborative and dynamic work environment
Significant equity ownership
401k retirement plan
Medical and dental insurance coverage
Unlimited paid time off (PTO)
Evening meals during weekdays
Full Job Description
About the Role
We are looking for a highly hands-on Research Associate to join our team and support protein science and cell biology workflows on the Medra Physical AI platform. This is a role for someone who loves being at the bench - someone who has spent years honing their craft in a fast-paced industry lab and takes pride in rigorous, reproducible science.
You will work closely with scientists and roboticists to execute, validate, and optimize protein characterization workflows and cell-based assays as part of our autonomous lab platform. You thrive when given a specific task to own end-to-end, and you bring the experience and intuition to operate independently.
Key Responsibilities
Execute protein expression experiments across multiple host systems (e.g., mammalian, E. coli, cell-free) at various scales, from small-scale screens to larger production runs
Run protein characterization assays, including SPR, BLI, DSF/DSC, and various developability assays.
Perform cell-based binding and functional assays to evaluate candidates against cell-surface targets and assess functional activity.
Own day-to-day operation and organization of the cell culture facility, including routine passaging using sterile technique, inventory management, and equipment maintenance.
Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records in electronic lab notebooks (ELN), and contribute to SOP development
Collaborate with scientists and cross-functional team members to ensure smooth handoffs and timely execution across the protein screening and characterization workflow.
What You Bring to the Team
B.S. or B.A., or MS in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline
2-4 years (M.S.) or 4-6 (B.S./B.A. )years of hands-on, industry lab experience in protein science - we value deep bench experience over advanced degrees
Demonstrated expertise in protein expression using mammalian cell lines (e.g., Expi293, ExpiCHO) and/or microbial systems
Strong hands-on experience with high-throughput protein quality control and biophysical characterization.
Experience maintaining mammalian cell lines and performing cell-based assays in an industry setting, including flow cytometry.
Strong documentation habits, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently on defined tasks
A scrappy, can-do attitude - you figure things out and get things done
Bonus Points For
Familiarity with developability assessment assays (HIC, AC-SINS, PSR, or similar)
Familiarity with analytical characterization techniques such as HPLC-SEC, HPLC-HIC, or FACS-based binding assays
Familiarity with imaging-based cell assays (e.g., high-content imaging, fluorescence microscopy)
Experience with cell-free protein expression or specialized enzyme workflows
Comfort working with lab automation or robotics platforms
This position is 100% in-person; you must be able to come on-site to our San Francisco office. We offer relocation benefits for applicants who need to relocate.
What We Offer
An opportunity to change the way that scientific research happens
Fast-paced, creative, and collaborative work environment
