Research Associate (Contract to Hire) – In Vivo Biology

Lime Therapeutics • New York, NY

8h • Onsite

About The Position

Lime Therapeutics is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join its biology team and advance oncology drug development programs. The company is a venture-backed biotech startup developing therapies that target lipid-metabolic pathways in cancer, metabolic, and neurodegenerative diseases. In this hands-on role, the Research Associate will work with experienced scientists to execute preclinical studies, evaluate therapeutic candidates, and generate data that informs drug development decisions. The role is suited to an early-career scientist interested in experimental biology and developing technical skills at an early-stage biotech company.

This is a six-month contract-to-hire role, with potential conversion to full-time based on performance and business needs. The workload is approximately 40 hours per week, normally Monday through Friday, with flexibility to work evenings or weekends as needed for experimental and team priorities. The role is fully in person at the Ford Center Incubator at The Rockefeller University on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. The hourly pay range is $35–$50, commensurate with skills and experience. The stated start date is January 2027.

Requirements

• BS or MS in Biology or a related field.
• Hands-on rodent in vivo experience and exposure to molecular assays in an academic, biotech, pharmaceutical, or CRO setting.
• Proficiency in mouse handling, restraint, and dosing.
• Working knowledge of IACUC protocols and animal welfare standards.
• Strong aseptic technique and experience maintaining cancer cell lines and preparing cells for in vivo implantation.
• Ability to follow protocols precisely and manage multiple concurrent studies.
• Self-starter who takes ownership and thrives in a high-accountability environment.
• Approximately 40 hours per week, normally Monday through Friday, with flexibility to adjust hours, including evenings or weekends, as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Interest in learning new techniques and growing scientific skills as the company’s programs advance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct preclinical oncology studies in relevant cancer models to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of therapeutic candidates.
• Handle, restrain, and dose mice using oral gavage and intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, and intravenous injection routes.
• Collect and process tissues for molecular, biochemical, histological, and flow cytometry-based analyses.
• Establish and maintain mammalian cell cultures, including cancer cell lines, primary cells, and organoids, and support cell-based assays and molecular biology experiments.
• Maintain accurate experimental records, analyze study data using GraphPad Prism and Excel, and communicate results to the scientific team.
• Prepare experimental materials, maintain laboratory equipment and supplies, and comply with IACUC-approved protocols and laboratory safety standards.
• Collaborate in a fast-paced startup, adapt to changing research priorities, and support time-sensitive experiments, including occasional evening or weekend work as required by animal study schedules.

Benefits

• Opportunity to contribute to development of therapies for patients with high unmet need.
• Work directly with company leadership and advisors.
• Opportunity to build and eventually lead scientific teams as the company expands.
• Mission-driven culture emphasizing ownership, strategic focus, and fast execution.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level