Research Associate I/II (Molecular Biology)

Azalea Therapeutics•Berkeley, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Azalea Therapeutics is seeking a Research Associate I/II to join its Research & Development team. This hands-on laboratory role will support the advancement of AZA-2509 and Azalea’s next-generation delivery platform by executing cell- and molecular-biology experiments, generating high-quality data, and maintaining rigorous laboratory records. The successful candidate will work closely with scientists and colleagues across research, process development, analytical development, and preclinical functions. The position will be filled at the Research Associate I or Research Associate II level based on the candidate’s experience, technical depth, and demonstrated independence.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, bioengineering, biochemistry, immunology, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
Research Associate I: 0–2 years of relevant laboratory experience.
Research Associate II: 2–4 years of relevant laboratory experience, including evidence of increased technical independence.
Hands-on experience in quantitative bench assays including digital PCR/ quantitative PCR, ELISA, multicolor flow cytometry, and/or chromatography, with a working understanding of standards, controls, and replicates.
Experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, translational research, or another quality-conscious laboratory environment.
Ability to follow protocols, perform careful calculations, organize concurrent experiments, and produce accurate and reproducible work.
Ability to analyze data, communicate findings clearly, and work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary setting.
Commitment to laboratory safety, research integrity, accurate documentation, and responsible handling of biological materials.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with primary human T cells, immune-cell phenotyping, viral or nonviral delivery systems, or genome-editing workflows.
Experience developing or executing assays for viral vectors (lentiviral, VSV-G or other enveloped particles, or AAV) including titer, purity, and potency testing.
Experience with next-generation sequencing sample preparation, HPLC/UPLC (SEC, AEX, or RP), SDS-PAGE/Western blot, or dynamic light scattering.
Familiarity with assay qualification concepts, design of experiments, dose-response analysis, curve fitting, acceptance criteria, and statistical assessment of assay variability.
Experience with high-throughput or automated assay platforms.
Familiarity with electronic laboratory notebooks and common scientific data-analysis tools (Excel, GraphPad Prism, JMP, or Python/R) and assay/equipment-specific software (SoftMax Pro, FlowJo, digital PCR analysis software).

Responsibilities

Execute established molecular biology studies supporting EDV delivery, genome editing, T-cell engineering, candidate evaluation, and assay development.
Execute routine sample testing for EDV and AAV programs on a defined schedule, performing assays according to established SOPs, test methods, and worksheets.
Perform relevant analytical methods, which include nucleic-acid extraction, dd PCR or quantitative PCR, flow cytometry , immunoassays, and protein- based methods: capsid and envelope protein ELISA, host cell protein and residual protein assays.
Collect, analyze, and summarize experimental data using appropriate software; identify trends, limitations, and experimental deviations.
Maintain complete, accurate, and timely records in electronic laboratory notebooks and other controlled systems, following Good Documentation Practices and data-integrity expectations.
Prepare experimental summaries and communicate results at team meetings; contribute data and figures to technical reports and presentations.
Troubleshoot routine technical issues, escalate significant deviations, and partner with colleagues to improve assay robustness and reproducibility.
Support method qualification, verification, and transfer activities by generating precision, accuracy, linearity, and robustness data under the direction of method owners; assist with drafting and revising SOPs, test methods, and qualification protocols and reports.
Support laboratory operations through reagent preparation, inventory management, equipment upkeep, sample tracking, and adherence to safety requirements.
Collaborate across functions and manage assigned work to agreed timelines while responding constructively to changing program priorities.
Contribute to a culture of scientific rigor by documenting decisions, sharing data transparently, seeking input early, and treating colleagues with respect.