Research Associate

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated, hands-on, and organized Research Associate to support analytical laboratory activities and day-to-day laboratory operations within a fast-paced biotechnology environment. This is a hybrid scientific and operational role for an individual with experience in HPLC/UHPLC and chromatographic techniques who also enjoys maintaining an efficient and well-organized laboratory.

Avidity Biosciences is revolutionizing the field of RNA with its proprietary Antibody Oligonucleotide Conjugates (AOCs™), designed to combine the specificity of monoclonal antibodies with the precision of oligonucleotide therapies to address targets and diseases previously unreachable with existing RNA therapies. Our mission is to profoundly improve people’s lives by delivering this new class of RNA therapeutics.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine analytical testing using HPLC/UHPLC platforms (sample and reagent preparation, instrument operation, maintenance, basic troubleshooting, and UV/Vis and fluorescence detection).
• Perform and support a range of chromatographic methods (reversed-phase HPLC/UHPLC, SEC, SAX, and SCX) for characterization of oligonucleotides and other complex biomolecules.
• Support analytical method development and optimization (method execution, troubleshooting, data review and interpretation, and communication of results to scientific teams).
• Maintain accurate experimental records and analytical documentation.
• Manage laboratory inventory, including chemicals, reagents, columns, standards, consumables, PPE, and general supplies; monitor stock levels, expiration dates, and storage requirements and reorder as needed.
• Coordinate laboratory equipment installation, preventive maintenance, calibration, repair, and vendor service, while maintaining equipment records and service documentation.
• Support day-to-day shipping and receiving of laboratory materials, samples, reagents, and equipment, including shipment verification, tracking, packaging, courier coordination, and temperature-controlled or dry-ice shipments.
• Partner with Facilities, EHS, IT, Procurement, and external vendors to support laboratory infrastructure, safety, repairs, equipment moves, installations, and workspace changes.
• Identify and escalate operational or facilities issues that could affect laboratory activities and coordinate timely resolution with internal teams and service providers.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline, with approximately 1–3 years of relevant laboratory experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, life sciences, or a related environment.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with HPLC and/or UHPLC (sample preparation, instrument operation, data acquisition and analysis, basic troubleshooting, and detection methods including UV, fluorescence, CAD, RI, and/or MALS).
• Familiarity with additional chromatography techniques (SEC, SAX, and/or SCX). Experience with capillary electrophoresis (CE) and/or imaged capillary isoelectric focusing (icIEF) is a plus.
• Strong understanding of analytical instrumentation and laboratory workflows, including the ability to operate and troubleshoot laboratory equipment while supporting day-to-day laboratory operations (inventory management, shipping and receiving, equipment coordination, supplies, and laboratory organization).
• Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills, with excellent attention to detail, ownership, and follow-through.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and balance scientific responsibilities with operational needs in a fast-paced research environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively across cross-functional teams, including scientists, Facilities, EHS, Procurement, external vendors, and shipping providers, with a proactive and service-oriented approach to laboratory readiness and operational support.
• Ability to build alignment, foster collaboration, and drive shared ownership across functions to achieve results in a complex, matrixed environment.
• Ability to travel to Avidity’s San Diego headquarters approximately twice per year for company development weeks and occasional in-person collaboration.
• Demonstrated curiosity and openness to integrating AI-powered tools to enhance functional processes, support data-informed decisions, and drive innovative outcomes across teams.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and benefits, including an annual bonus opportunity and a 401(k) with employer match.
• Comprehensive wellness program covering medical, dental, vision, and long-term disability (LTD).
• Four weeks of time off.
• Commitment to learning and development, including internally developed programming, job-specific industry training, and an education reimbursement program.

Pay

The base salary range for this role is $43.50–$48.50 per hour.

Location: San Diego, CA | Position Type: Full-time, Hourly/Non-Exempt