Job Description

Job Title: Research Associate/Senior Research Associate

Reports To: Principal Scientist

Department: Research

OBJECTIVES: 

We are seeking a highly motivated individual with broad experience in molecular cell biology and biochemistry. This position will make direct contributions to Trotana’s drug discovery efforts by developing, troubleshooting, and validating a suite of functional assays to support all aspects of small molecule drug discovery ranging from target validation, compound screening and lead identification and optimization.

This role is responsible for conducting independent research in alignment with organizational objectives set by senior staff. The individual will analyze complex problems and develop innovative solutions. Additionally, they may identify and recommend new strategic research directions to supervising staff.

ACCOUNTABILITIES, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: 

· Serve as lead scientist on developing a versatile and robust platform of assay technologies designed to evaluate RNA binding proteins targets across several therapeutic areas.

· Partner with multidisciplinary and highly collaborative teams to support and integrate RBP target identification/validation and small molecule drug discovery.

· Implement and optimize both existing and novel assays using a broad range of molecular and cell biology, biochemistry, genomics, and imaging-based approaches.

· Acquire and maintain familiarity with current scientific literature and contemporary functional assay technologies with a focus on RNA binding protein biology.

· Integrate data across multiple research disciplines to help shape strategy as projects develop.

·  Generate and analyze data and prepare technical reports, summaries, protocols, and quantitative analysis, ensuring experiments are well documented.

· Participate in interdisciplinary teams and external collaborators.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

· The position requires a BSc, MSc or PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Cell Biology, or related discipline with 5+ years in the biotech/pharmaceutical industry.

· Extensive experience with a wide range of standard molecular biology and biochemistry techniques is essential, including cloning and manipulation of recombinant DNA, extraction and fractionation of nucleic acids and proteins from cells and tissues, immunofluorescence, western blotting.

· In-depth experience with analytical and quantitative techniques such as flow cytometry, qPCR, qRT-PCR, ELISA, Nanodrop, absorbance/luminescence/fluorescence plate assays,

· Extensive experience with culture and maintenance of mammalian cell lines and primary cells from various tissues, including familiarity with BSL-2 viral vector systems (lentivirus, AAV)

· Experience with high throughput assays for chemical library screening. Expertise in the establishment of high-throughput assays with robust, miniaturized, and (semi-) automated plate-based formats with readouts such as fluorescence, chemiluminescence, TR-FRET, high content imaging, flow cytometry and/or cytokine-detection is required.

· Experience in assay development, enzymology, biochemistry, cell biology, primary cell culture, co-culture, stable cell line generation, is strongly preferred.

· Experience in data analysis, interpretation, and visualization, particularly with large data sets is required.

· Experience with longitudinal and high-content (96-, 384- and 1536-well format) imaging-based assays, including cell culture, treatments, image acquisition and image data processing preferred.

· Experience with statistical programming or software (e.g., R) a plus.

· Attention to safety, good laboratory practice, and good documentation practice essential.

· Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills are essential.

· Comfortable in a fast-paced startup environment and able to adjust workload and responsibilities based upon changing priorities.

· Able to manage multiple projects in parallel, including key participation on multi-disciplinary project teams.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

· Manual dexterity required to operate office equipment (i.e. computers, phones, etc.)

· Carrying, handling and reaching for objects (up to 25 lbs)

· Onsite office, lab environment

Further Information:

Salary range: $98k-$117k

Trotana is a biotechnology company based in San Diego. In addition to a competitive compensation package with stock options, the company offers a comprehensive benefits package for our employees and their families, which includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance and a 401(k) plan. The company is an Equal Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. 

To be considered as an applicant, please submit your resume/CV referencing the specific position of interest to [email protected]. Applicants whose qualifications and experience most closely match the requirements of the position will be reviewed.

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