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 hybrid scientific and operational role is for an individual with experience in HPLC/UHPLC and chromatographic techniques who also enjoys maintaining an efficient and well-organized laboratory.

The successful candidate will perform routine analytical testing while supporting laboratory equipment, inventory, shipping and receiving, vendors, and facilities-related activities. The ideal candidate will have practical experience with HPLC and UHPLC, familiarity with multiple chromatographic detection technologies, and exposure to mass spectrometry and other separation techniques. Experience with capillary electrophoresis (CE) and/or imaged capillary isoelectric focusing (icIEF) is a plus.

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), with familiarity with additional chromatography techniques (SEC, SAX, and/or SCX).
• 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 the opportunity for annual bonus as well as a 401(k) with an employer match.
• Comprehensive wellness program including coverage for medical, dental, vision, and LTD, and four weeks of time off.
• Commitment to learning and development, including a variety of programming internally developed by and for Avidity employees, opportunities for job-specific training offered by industry, and an education reimbursement program.

Pay

The base salary range for this role is $43.50-$48.50/hr. The final compensation will be commensurate with relevant experience, skillset, internal equity, and market factors.