Associate Scientist II - Preclinical Discovery

Salubris Biotherapeutics • Gaithersburg, MD

10h

About The Position

Salubris Biotherapeutics, Inc. (SalubrisBio), based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, is seeking a hands-on researcher to support discovery and preclinical characterization of biologics for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The role focuses on independently executing and troubleshooting cell-based and molecular assays in disease-relevant cell models, with data that inform candidate selection and program decisions. The position collaborates with cross-functional project teams in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree with at least 3 years of relevant laboratory experience, or Master of Science degree with at least 1 year of relevant laboratory experience, in biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, physiology, or a related discipline.
• Strong hands-on mammalian cell culture skills, including primary cells.
• Demonstrated experience independently running and troubleshooting cell-based assays with functional readouts, such as reporter, signaling, gene-expression, or cell-function assays.
• Experience with RNA extraction, RT-qPCR, Western blot, and immunoassays such as ELISA or MSD.
• Sound troubleshooting and data-analysis skills.
• Excellent organization, documentation, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Positive, proactive, solution-oriented approach and ability to work through ambiguity or setbacks in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with hepatocytes, adipocytes, macrophages, and/or cardiomyocytes.
• Experience in metabolic, liver, or cardiovascular disease research, such as MASH/NASH, obesity, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, or heart failure.
• Experience in preclinical biologics discovery, including antibody, fusion-protein, or antibody-conjugate characterization.
• Familiarity with plate readers and analysis software such as SoftMax Pro, high-content imaging, flow cytometry, or SPR/BLI.
• Familiarity with ELN/LIMS systems and Microsoft Office.
• Experience in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical setting.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and troubleshoot plate-based functional assays to characterize biologic candidates, including receptor-signaling and reporter assays, target-gene expression assays, and cell-function readouts.
• Culture and maintain disease-relevant primary and immortalized cells, including primary hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells, adipocytes, macrophages, fibroblasts, and rodent or human cell lines.
• Run cardiovascular and metabolic disease-specific in vitro models and assays.
• Support in vitro biochemical and biophysical characterization of complex biologics, including potency, target engagement, internalization, and stability assays.
• Analyze data using appropriate statistics and tools such as GraphPad Prism and Excel, and present results and interpretations at project team meetings.
• Write and maintain assay protocols and accurate, detailed records in an electronic lab notebook.
• Maintain safe and efficient laboratory operations, including inventory, reagent management, and equipment upkeep.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level