Sr. Research Associate, Delivery

Asklepios BioPharmaceutical, Inc. (AskBio) • Durham, NC

5d • Onsite

About The Position

AskBio Inc., a subsidiary of Bayer AG, is a gene therapy company focused on developing life-saving medicines. The company has a portfolio of clinical programs for various diseases and utilizes a proprietary cell line manufacturing process along with an extensive array of capsids and promoters. This position supports the development and discovery of next-generation gene therapies using non-viral delivery technologies. The Senior Research Associate will conduct experiments to advance the preclinical therapeutic pipeline, working with the non-viral delivery team. The role requires hands-on experience with standard molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA/protein isolation, quantitative PCR (qPCR), RT-PCR, ddPCR, ELISA, SDS-PAGE, and Western blot. Prior experience with research-grade lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation is preferred. This position is based in Morrisville, North Carolina.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, Biochemistry, or a related field with 5+ years of research experience; OR a Master’s degree in molecular biology, Biochemistry, or a related field with 2+ years of research experience
• Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA isolation, SDS-PAGE, qPCR, and Western blot
• Clear understanding of in vivo gene therapy approaches, including adeno-associated virus (AAV) and lipid nanoparticles (LNP)
• Experience with cell line maintenance, including primary cell culture
• Strong technical laboratory skills with the ability to independently execute protocols and experiments
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work independently in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
• Ability to follow established molecular biology SOPs with minimal supervision
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and able to work both independently and within cross-functional teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including accurate documentation practices
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Strong problem-solving skills and sound scientific judgment

Nice To Haves

• Experience with research-grade LNP formulation and analytical characterization
• Experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS)
• Understanding of statistics and data analysis/interpretation
• Experience using SnapGene and GraphPad

Responsibilities

• Perform plasmid purification, genomic DNA extraction, RNA extraction, and PCR-based assays (PCR, qPCR, ddPCR)
• Conduct small-scale LNP formulation and analytical characterization for early research and preclinical in vivo and in vitro studies
• Perform in vitro cell-based assays, including plasmid transfection, AAV transduction, LNP transfection, and primary cell culture
• Analyze data and effectively communicate results through formal reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders
• Develop detailed experimental protocols and maintain an electronic laboratory notebook in accordance with good documentation and data integrity practices
• Maintain inventory and order reagents and materials to support timely project execution
• Ensure laboratory areas are clean, organized, and adequately stocked with necessary equipment and supplies

What This Job Offers

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