Research Associate

Syenex•Evanston, IL

16h

About The Position

Syenex is seeking a Research Associate to join its Discovery Team and support the design, production, optimization, and screening of novel delivery vectors for cell and gene therapy. The role focuses on characterizing and evaluating delivery vehicles, developing in vitro assays, and maintaining and culturing primary cells and cell lines. The Research Associate will work with a dynamic, rapidly growing, highly collaborative team with biological discovery experience and multiple delivery platforms. The position contributes to early-phase research into delivery technologies intended to help bring more cures to patients. Work may be adopted by customers and brought to the clinic, and the role offers exposure to a wide range of technologies and opportunities to contribute to an early-stage team working with biopharma and academic partners.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree plus 1–4 years of laboratory experience in an academic or industry setting, or a master's degree in a scientific field such as Biology, Biochemistry, or Engineering plus 1–2 years of experience.
Experience maintaining various mammalian cells in culture using standard techniques.
Understanding of molecular biology and cell biology.
Experience with viral vectors and/or nanoparticles, including concentration and purification methods.
Experience with mammalian cell transfection and transduction.
Experience with flow cytometry.
Experience with protein characterization, such as ELISA, western blots, or BLI.
Strong motivation and desire to learn and contribute to team science.
Strong work ethic, attention to detail, and commitment to data quality.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative, and technical environment.

Responsibilities

Produce and test novel vector designs for mammalian cell delivery using flow cytometry, imaging, and genomic analysis techniques.
Characterize gene and protein expression in mammalian cells using methods such as flow cytometry, microscopy, qPCR, and ELISA.
Maintain mammalian cell cultures.
Perform molecular biology-based cloning and plasmid preparation.
Participate in experimental design, optimization, and method development.
Support customer LVV production and characterization.
Follow Standard Operating Procedures and develop new protocols when necessary.
Collaborate to generate and screen novel delivery vehicles.
Maintain accurate experimental sample records through database curation and electronic tracking.
Document and present findings to the R&D team and the wider company.