Research Associate, Therapeutic Technologies
About The Position
Addition Therapeutics is seeking a versatile, hands-on experimentalist to join their Therapeutic Technologies team. This role is central to the company's gene therapy innovation, focusing on producing RNA reagents using the proprietary PRINT™ platform and conducting cell-based assays to evaluate their performance. The Research Associate will be responsible for generating high-quality data essential for early discovery and program advancement. This position involves close collaboration with RNA sciences, protein engineering, and program teams, ensuring the smooth operation of the company's experimental core. The day-to-day responsibilities include producing research-grade RNA via in vitro transcription (IVT), performing RNA quality control, maintaining mammalian cell lines, delivering PRINT RNA into cells through various transfection methods, and executing associated readout assays. The role also involves analyzing and documenting results, contributing to troubleshooting, and assisting with lab management tasks such as inventory and instrument upkeep.
Requirements
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, biotechnology, or a related field, with ~1-2 years of hands-on laboratory experience (industry preferred).
- Mammalian cell culture skills — sterile technique, maintenance of multiple lines, and transfection.
- Hands-on molecular biology experience, including RNA handling and RNase-free technique.
- 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 (IVT, capping, tailing, integrity analysis by TapeStation/Bioanalyzer/fragment analyzer).
- Experience with standard cell-based and biochemical assays such as reporter assays, ELISA, qPCR/ddPCR, flow cytometry, or Western blot.
- Experience with fluorescence microscopy and/or flow cytometry.
- Familiarity with 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 microscopy — generating accurate, reproducible data.
- Analyze, plot, and clearly document results in the electronic lab notebook; flag anomalies and contribute to troubleshooting and protocol refinement.
- Help keep the lab running: reagent and consumable inventory, sample and reagent tracking, and routine instrument upkeep.
Benefits
- Competitive salary, equity, and benefits
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
