Job Title: Senior Research Associate

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

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.