Junior Scientist/Senior Research Associate

Equillium•San Diego, CA

About The Position

This position is an integral part of our research team advancing novel therapeutic programs for inflammatory and fibrotic diseases, including the development of EQ504, a novel and potent aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) modulator. We are seeking a highly motivated, scientifically engaged Scientist with a strong background in cellular and molecular biology and experience developing disease-relevant in vitro models. This individual will bring both technical expertise and scientific curiosity to preclinical and translational research programs focused on mechanism of action, epithelial biology, tissue repair, inflammation, and fibrosis. The candidate should be comfortable working independently as well as collaboratively, managing multiple priorities, and adapting to the needs of a dynamic small-company research environment.

Requirements

PhD in cell biology, molecular biology, immunology, pharmacology, biomedical sciences, or a related scientific discipline, or an MS degree with 5+ years of relevant research experience.
Strong background in cellular and molecular biology with substantial hands-on laboratory experience.
Demonstrated ability to independently design experiments, troubleshoot complex assays, analyze data, and draw scientifically rigorous conclusions.
Demonstrated scientific productivity through authorship or co-authorship of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Experience developing, optimizing, and validating disease-relevant cell-based assays.
Strong hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques, including RNA isolation, qPCR, gene-expression analysis, and Western blotting.
Experience with epithelial cell biology, including epithelial differentiation, barrier function, injury/repair, or epithelial responses to inflammatory stimuli, is strongly preferred.
Experience with 3D cell culture, organoids, spheroids, co-culture systems, or other advanced in vitro models is strongly preferred.
Experience in pulmonary epithelial biology, lung injury, interstitial lung disease, or pulmonary fibrosis is highly desirable.
Experience with assays relevant to epithelial barrier integrity and function, such as TEER, wound-healing assays, imaging, or related approaches, is a plus.
Demonstrated ability to evaluate scientific literature and translate new findings into testable experimental hypotheses.
Strong scientific curiosity and demonstrated ability to engage deeply with biological questions rather than focusing solely on experimental execution.
Highly self-motivated, proactive, and comfortable taking scientific ownership of assigned projects.
Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex or unexpected experimental results.
Ability to independently prioritize experiments and recommend next steps based on emerging data.
Strong attention to experimental rigor, reproducibility, and data quality.
Collaborative and comfortable working across internal functions and with external scientific partners.
Adaptable and resourceful in a dynamic, fast-paced biotechnology environment.
Proficient with GraphPad Prism and Microsoft Office.
Familiarity with tools used for analysis and visualization of large biological datasets is desirable.
Some scheduling flexibility to accommodate experimental needs.

Nice To Haves

Experience in pulmonary epithelial biology, lung fibrosis, 3D cellular models, organoids, and/or single-cell transcriptomic approaches is highly desirable.
Experience in pulmonary epithelial biology, lung injury, interstitial lung disease, or pulmonary fibrosis is highly desirable.
Experience with assays relevant to epithelial barrier integrity and function, such as TEER, wound-healing assays, imaging, or related approaches, is a plus.
Familiarity with tools used for analysis and visualization of large biological datasets is desirable.

Responsibilities

Independently design, execute, and interpret preclinical and translational studies.
Critically evaluate data, identify key biological insights, and integrate findings with current scientific literature.
Develop hypotheses, propose next-step studies, and contribute to project strategy discussions.
Apply expertise in epithelial cell biology and advanced in vitro systems; experience in pulmonary epithelial biology, lung fibrosis, 3D cellular models, organoids, and/or single-cell transcriptomic approaches is highly desirable.
Independently design, execute, troubleshoot, and optimize cellular and molecular biology experiments addressing mechanistic and disease-relevant questions.
Develop and implement physiologically relevant in vitro models to investigate epithelial function, inflammation, tissue injury and repair, and fibrosis.
Develop and apply advanced cellular models, including co-culture and 3D systems, to investigate cellular interactions and mechanisms of drug activity.
Analyze experimental data, critically interpret results, identify limitations and alternative explanations, and propose appropriate follow-up experiments.
Integrate experimental findings with published literature and emerging biology to generate new hypotheses and contribute to research strategy.
Perform molecular and cellular characterization using techniques such as qPCR, gene-expression analysis, Western blotting, imaging, and other relevant approaches.
Develop and maintain laboratory protocols and SOPs to ensure experimental consistency and reproducibility.
Present experimental results, conclusions, and recommendations at research, project-team, and cross-functional meetings.
Maintain current knowledge of relevant scientific literature and emerging technologies and proactively identify findings or approaches relevant to company programs.
Provide scientific input into the design and interpretation of studies conducted by CROs and academic collaborators.
Participate in scientific discussions with external collaborators and subject-matter experts as needed.