Research Associate II/Senior Research Associate

Encoded Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company advancing precision medicines for a broad range of genetic disorders. Our mission is to unlock new opportunities for viral gene therapy through genomics-driven discovery. We focus on delivering life-changing advances for individuals with genetic disorders not addressable with current approaches. For more information, please visit www.Encoded.com. 

The Technology Team develops and employs cutting edge sequencing-based technologies to discover genetic elements to drive potent and selective AAV expression. Our aim is to provide patients with AAV based therapeutics that are precise and tailored to a given pathology. Our team’s mission is to address major challenges that are faced in our preclinical programs and in the AAV therapeutic industry. 

Position details

We are recruiting an experienced Research Associate II/Senior Research Associate to join our Technology team to help conduct and develop molecular-based experiments in a fast-paced research environment. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to establish and optimize the platforms that are central to Encoded’s discovery pipeline. They will work in conjunction with both wet lab and dry lab scientist and utilize our NGS discovery pipeline to provide genetic solutions to challenging issues. We value the development of our team members but are looking for a candidate that is familiar with molecular biology principles, NGS workflows, LIMS experience, and pays attention to detail.

This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of genomics and therapeutics with a team that is driven to find solutions inspired by the repertoire of processes found biology. We value individuals with a diverse skillset and personality, that are self-motivated, and are adaptable to an evolving field. Team members often get to work with a broad range of scientists within Technology and across the research organization, giving team members a rich research work life.

Workplace Model: On-Site

Responsibilities

• Conduct ddPCR, qPCR, ELISA, FACS and other reporter-based assays in biological samples.
• Design and conduct experiments with immortalized cells and/or IPSC.
• Execute NGS-based screening assays with some guidance/training.
• Perform DNA/RNA extractions from in vivo and in vitro sources for NGS sample preparation.
• Create and communicate experimental aims with moderate amount of input from scientists.
• Troubleshoot assays and experiments, including providing potential solutions.
• Coordinate tasks across multiple groups, effectively document and communicate requests and outcomes within and between departments.
• Solving complex technical challenges and contributes to protocol development.

Requirements

• BA/BS or MA/MS in biology or related field with 4-6 or more years prior industry experience
• Experience working with immortalized cells and/or IPSC
• Experience with general molecular biology techniques, including molecular cloning, PCR/qPCR, and primer design.
• Working on projects that are diverse in scope, multi-project coordination, and good technical competency to contribute to a range of research needs.
• Knowledge of Excel, Prism, or other data analysis software and familiarity with basic analytical / statistical methods (ANOVA, t-test, CV, etc).
• Strong technical competency, attention to detail, and documentation proficiency
• Experience implementing and optimizing protocols and maintaining detailed laboratory notebook.
• Work independently as well as in a team to meet objectives under time constraints.
• Proficient oral and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• NGS sample preparation, understanding of Illumina technologies, and NGS quality metrics
• Experience with AAV; use case or understanding of basic AAV biology
• Contribute to construct design and molecular cloning.
• Molecular biology software; Snapgene and/or Primer3
• Understanding of transcription, translation, and the mechanisms that govern its regulation.
• Ability and desire to quickly learn new skills and principles.

The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in California is $76,500-$98,250 (Research Associate II) and $94,200-$157,900 (Senior Research Associate). The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience within the job, type, and length of experience within the industry, education, etc. En