Senior Research Associate - Preclinical Discovery

Salubris Biotherapeutics Inc • Gaithersburg, MD

6d • $62,000 - $68,000

About The Position

Salubris Biotherapeutics, Inc. (SalubrisBio), a science-driven biotechnology company in Gaithersburg, Maryland, discovers and globally develops complex biologics to treat cancer and cardiovascular and metabolic (CVM) diseases. The company aims to develop novel therapeutic molecules that meaningfully improve disease burden and quality of life for patients with significant unmet medical needs.

The Senior Research Associate supports discovery and preclinical characterization of novel biologics for CVM diseases, including atherosclerosis and dyslipidemia, obesity, metabolically related liver or kidney diseases, and heart failure. The role independently executes and troubleshoots cell-based and molecular assays in disease-relevant cell models and contributes data that inform candidate selection and program decisions. The position works closely with cross-functional project teams in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Requirements

• BS with 3+ years, or MS with 1+ years, of relevant laboratory experience in biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, physiology, or a related discipline; biotech or pharmaceutical experience is preferred.
• Strong hands-on mammalian cell culture skills, including primary cells.
• Demonstrated experience independently running and troubleshooting cell-based assays with functional readouts such as reporter, signaling, gene expression, or cell-function assays.
• Experience with RNA extraction, RT-qPCR, Western blot, and immunoassays such as ELISA or MSD.
• Sound troubleshooting and data analysis skills.
• Excellent organization, documentation, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Positive, proactive, solution-oriented approach and ability to work in a fast-paced, evolving environment and handle ambiguity or setbacks.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with hepatocytes, adipocytes, macrophages, and/or cardiomyocytes.
• Experience in metabolic, liver, or cardiovascular disease research, such as MASH/NASH, obesity, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, or heart failure.
• Experience in preclinical biologics discovery, including antibody, fusion-protein, or antibody-conjugate characterization.
• Familiarity with plate readers and analysis software such as SoftMax Pro, high-content imaging, flow cytometry, or SPR/BLI.
• Familiarity with ELN/LIMS systems and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and troubleshoot plate-based functional assays to characterize biologic candidates, including receptor-signaling and reporter assays, target-gene expression assays, and cell-function readouts.
• Culture and maintain disease-relevant primary and immortalized cells, including primary hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells, adipocytes, macrophages, fibroblasts, and rodent or human cell lines.
• Run CVM-specific in vitro models and assays.
• Support in vitro biochemical and biophysical characterization of complex biologics, including potency, target engagement, internalization, and stability assays.
• Analyze data using appropriate statistics and tools such as GraphPad Prism and Excel, and present results and interpretation at project team meetings.
• Write and maintain assay protocols and accurate, detailed records in an electronic lab notebook (ELN).
• Maintain safe and efficient lab operations, including inventory, reagent management, and equipment upkeep.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior