Research Associate / Senior Research Associate, Therapeutic Technologies
About The Position
Addition Therapeutics is at the forefront of biotechnology innovation, building the next generation of gene therapy using our proprietary PRINT™ (Precise RNA-mediated Insertion of Transgenes) platform. PRINT™ redefines genetic medicine by enabling the development of RNA-only therapeutics capable of inserting any genetic element into specific safe harbor sites within the genome. Operating from state-of-the-art labs in South San Francisco, we are a Series A-stage company advancing programs across rare and common diseases. We are looking for a Research Associate or Senior Research Associate to join our Therapeutic Technologies team. This is a hands-on, bench-focused role at the center of how we turn designs into data: you will produce the RNA reagents that drive PRINT and run the cell-based assays that tell us how well those reagents work. The ideal candidate is a versatile, hands-on experimentalist who can own in vitro transcription (IVT), mammalian cell culture, and the cell-based assays that read out payload performance end to end — and who generates the high-quality data our programs rely on from early discovery onward. You will work side by side with our RNA sciences, protein engineering, and program teams, keeping the core experimental engine of the company running.
Requirements
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, biotechnology, or a related field, with ~2–5 years of hands-on laboratory experience (industry preferred).
- Strong, current mammalian cell culture skills — sterile technique, maintenance of multiple lines, and transfection.
- Hands-on molecular biology experience, including RNA handling and RNase-free technique; in vitro transcription (IVT) experience strongly preferred.
- Proficiency across standard cell-based and biochemical assays such as reporter assays, ELISA, qPCR/ddPCR, flow cytometry, or Western blot.
- Demonstrated reliability, organization, and attention to detail — you produce reproducible data and document it clearly.
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks in a fast-paced environment and to communicate results to a cross-functional team.
Nice To Haves
- Experience producing or QC'ing mRNA/RNA reagents (capping, tailing, integrity analysis by TapeStation/Bioanalyzer/fragment analyzer).
- Experience with high-content imaging and/or flow cytometry.
- Familiarity with automated liquid handling (e.g., Biomek, Echo) or high-throughput assay workflows.
- Experience with secreted-protein or hormone assays in a disease-relevant context.
- Exposure to gene therapy, mRNA, or other RNA-based therapeutic modalities.
- Basic data-analysis skills in R, Python, GraphPad Prism, or similar.
Responsibilities
- Produce research-grade RNA by in vitro transcription (IVT) at routine cadence and scale — template preparation, transcription, capping and tailing, DNase treatment, and purification — and release material against defined quality specifications.
- Perform RNA quality control (concentration, purity, and integrity by spectrophotometry, fluorometry, and electrophoretic/capillary methods) and keep clear, traceable records of every lot.
- Maintain mammalian cell lines and disease-relevant models — passaging, cryopreservation, thawing, and routine health/mycoplasma monitoring — so assay-ready cells are available on schedule.
- Deliver PRINT RNA into cells by transfection, lipofection, and electroporation/nucleofection across multiple cell types.
- Execute the associated readout assays — reporter (luciferase/fluorescent) assays, ELISA for secreted proteins, qPCR/ddPCR for transgene expression and copy number, flow cytometry, and high-content imaging — generating accurate, reproducible data.
- Analyze, plot, and clearly document results in the electronic lab notebook; flag anomalies and contribute to troubleshooting and protocol refinement.
- Support assay optimization and modest throughput scale-up as programs grow, including work with liquid-handling automation where applicable.
- Help keep the lab running: reagent and consumable inventory, sample and reagent tracking, and routine instrument upkeep.
Benefits
- Competitive salary, equity, and benefits
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
