Senior Research Associate, Biology and Translational Science

Protagonist Therapeutics • Newark, NJ

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Protagonist Therapeutics is a discovery-through-late-stage development biopharmaceutical company with a proprietary technology platform that enables de novo discovery of peptide therapeutics. Two novel peptides derived from Protagonist's proprietary discovery platform are at or near commercialization. ICOTYDE™ (icotrokinra), licensed to Johnson & Johnson company Janssen Biotech, Inc., is the first and only targeted oral peptide that precisely blocks the Interleukin-23 receptor. ICOTYDE was launched in the U.S. in March 2026, is approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age or older and is in Phase 3 development for psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. ICOTYDE was jointly discovered by Protagonist and Johnson & Johnson scientists, with Protagonist having primary responsibility for the development of ICOTYDE through Phase 1, and Johnson & Johnson assuming responsibility for further development and commercialization. Protagonist also discovered and led development through Phase 3 of rusfertide, a first-in-class hepcidin mimetic peptide licensed to Takeda Pharmaceuticals. An NDA for rusfertide for the treatment of polycythemia vera is under priority review with the FDA. The Company also has a number of clinical and preclinical programs addressing clinically and commercially validated targets, including an oral IL-17 antagonist peptide, obesity dual and triple agonists, an oral hepcidin functional mimetic, and the recently announced IL-4 and amylin programs. More information on Protagonist, its pipeline drug candidates, and clinical studies can be found on the Company's website at https://www.protagonist-inc.com .

Position Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Senior Research Associate to join our Biology and Translational Science team in Early Drug Discovery. The successful candidate will play a critical role in advancing our pipeline by executing in vitro and ex vivo studies to support target discovery, development, and project progression. This role will support multiple projects, work closely with senior scientists, and collaborate with members of the Biology and Translational Science team, Chemistry, and Pharmacology to support portfolio growth. We are committed to a thriving in-office culture. This role requires being on-site at our office in Newark, CA 4 days a week.

Requirements

• BS/MS in cell biology, molecular biology, immunology or related fields is required.
• Industry relevant laboratory experience of 6 years after BS or 4 years after MS
• Proficiency in the following techniques: cell-based assays, maintaining cells lines, handling of tissue samples from pre-clinical models, handling human whole blood, working with primary cells, HTRF, MSD, ELISA, cell-based assays, flow cytometry, and experience in molecular biology techniques is preferred
• Proficiency with software such as GraphPad Prism, flow cytometry plots, Microsoft Office etc., for data analysis and figure generation
• Attention to detail with excellent organizational, experimental data recording and time management skills
• Capability to work independently and simultaneously on multiple tasks
• Ability to interact effectively with team members and function collaboratively in a highly productive, dynamic and fast-paced environment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• High level of agility and comfort working in a fast-paced, newly formed team environment where processes are actively being built and refined

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with relevant disease areas (e.g., metabolic syndrome, autoimmunity, allergy, hematology) or biology themes (e.g., immunology, energy expenditure, platelet function)
• Expert-level knowledge in key technical areas like molecular biology, flow cytometry, or energy expenditure assays
• Experience working with human primary cells, i.e., isolating cells from blood or solid tissue
• Experience working with organoid models

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and conduct cell-based assays, and in vitro biochemical assays, including but not limited to HTRF, MSD, ELISA and flow cytometry-based assays
• Maintain cell lines related to the project
• Perform routine and advanced laboratory protocols, specializing in tissue processing (e.g., murine tissues for downstream analysis), RNA isolation, and multi-color flow cytometry.
• Analyze, interpret, summarize and communicate scientific data to the project teams in a timely manner
• Ensure the quality and reliability of screening data.
• Work closely with other teams in Discovery to support project needs.
• Collaborate with team members to identify and develop new methods to support target discovery and development.
• Lead and/or assist in writing and revising technical documents including testing protocols and data reports
• Maintain up-to-date records in the electronic lab notebook
• Establish and maintain proper reagent & sample inventories, and databases
• Ensure reagents, instruments, processes are up-to-date and meet the industry standard

Benefits

• Health Care benefits
• Protagonist covers 100% of the premium cost for medical, dental, and vision coverage for all full-time employees and their dependents.
• Flexible Spending Accounts – Healthcare FSA, Dependent Care FSA, Commuter Benefits
• 401(k) Plan
• Flexible Vacation Policy
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Company paid lunch and snacks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree