Associate Scientist, Protein Sciences

Septerna•South San Francisco, CA

3h•$100,000 - $110,000•Onsite

About The Position

Septerna is seeking a passionate and creative Associate Scientist to support its GPCR-focused drug discovery mission. The position is based in South San Francisco, California, and will contribute to improvements in protein expression and purification, supporting the production and characterization of proteins for structural biology, biophysics, and small molecule drug discovery. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team and help advance therapeutic programs in a fast-paced biotechnology environment. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with eukaryotic suspension cell culture, particularly HEK293 cells, including cell line maintenance, transfection, and protein expression. The role primarily involves Expi293 suspension cell lines, with insect cell lines as needed, and includes both small- and large-scale culture for recombinant protein production. The candidate may also assist with protein purification and protein-related assays.

Requirements

BS or MS and a minimum of 4 years of relevant hands-on experience in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical setting.
At least 1 year of demonstrated expertise in high-quality mammalian suspension cell culture, including HEK293 cells; experience with the Expi293 system is preferred.
Experience in transient transfection, cell line maintenance, cell counting, stable pool selection, and cell cryopreservation.
Ability to organize multiple projects and ensure delivery of reagents according to appropriate priorities and timelines.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience with the Expi293 system.
Prior experience with ELISA assays and basic protein techniques, including SDS-PAGE, Nanodrop, and DSF.

Responsibilities

Perform hands-on cell culture work to support Septerna’s Native Complex platform.
Maintain cell lines continuously, primarily Expi293 suspension cell lines and insect cell lines when required.
Perform transient transfections, stable pool selection, and cell line cryopreservation of Expi293 cell lines.
Conduct small- and large-scale cell culture for recombinant protein production.
Assist as needed with protein purification and protein-related assay technologies, including ELISAs, SDS-PAGE, and DSF.
Collaborate with Discovery Biology teams to prioritize cell culture requests and manage timelines.
Maintain laboratory notebooks and perform data analysis and documentation.