Research Associate Drug Discovery

About the role

Join a collaborative drug discovery team advancing preclinical and translational research with real potential to inform future therapies. We are seeking a motivated Research Associate to support hands-on studies in oncology, immunology, cell biology, and therapeutic mechanism-of-action research. In this role, you will execute laboratory experiments, generate high-quality data, support troubleshooting, and contribute to research programs that connect rigorous bench science with meaningful biomedical questions.

Responsibilities

• Support the design, execution, troubleshooting, and optimization of laboratory experiments that advance preclinical and translational drug discovery programs.
• Conduct molecular, biochemical, immunology, cell culture, assay development, and in vivo research workflows using established protocols and guidance from scientific staff.
• Generate data that helps clarify therapeutic efficacy, drug combinations, target biology, biomarkers, and mechanisms of action in cancer and autoimmune disease models.
• Process, store, track, and analyze biological samples from cells, tissues, blood, and plasma, as well as from animal studies, while maintaining accurate inventory and documentation.
• Summarize experimental results through clear data visualizations, organized records, reports, presentations, and collaborative research deliverables.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, follow safety and compliance practices, manage consumable inventory, and support efficient day-to-day laboratory operations.
• Collaborate with scientists, clinicians, students, and cross-functional partners to support study execution, protocol adherence, data interpretation, and communication of research progress.
• Assist with training new laboratory team members on routine techniques, sample handling, documentation practices, and laboratory workflows as appropriate.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science or master’s degree in Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• 5 years of hands-on experience in an academic, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, hospital, or translational research laboratory setting.
• Working knowledge of molecular biology, immunology, cell culture, assay development, or preclinical research techniques.
• Experience or strong interest in cancer biology, tumor-stromal microenvironment studies, drug efficacy testing, biomarker analysis, or therapeutic mechanism-of-action research.
• Ability to follow established protocols, recognize technical issues, seek guidance when needed, manage assigned priorities, and deliver reliable, reproducible data.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to summarize results for reports, presentations, publications, and team discussions.
• Excellent attention to detail, organization, time management, and documentation practices.

Skills

• Molecular biology: qPCR, PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA/RNA/miRNA extraction, cDNA preparation, and genotyping workflows.
• Protein and immunology assays: Western blotting, ELISA, immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and enzymatic assays.
• Cell culture: 3D organoids, human embryonic stem cells, primary cells, mammalian cell lines, bacteria, yeast, and sterile technique.
• In vivo research: Mouse colony management, tumor models, longitudinal tumor growth monitoring, drug administration, necropsy, tissue harvesting, and sample collection.
• Data and documentation: GraphPad Prism, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, statistical analysis, data visualization, laboratory notebooks, and sample inventory management.
• Experience in translational oncology, immuno-oncology, pancreatic cancer research, autoimmune disease models, or preclinical therapeutic development.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting publications, poster presentations, grant-related deliverables, or collaborative research programs.
• Experience developing or optimizing protocols for assay workflows, biomarker analysis, drug testing, or tissue and sample processing.
• Experience assisting with training, onboarding, or technical support for junior team members, students, or new laboratory staff.