Research Associate (Levels II and III) - Zhou Lab

About the role

The Zhou Lab at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging is seeking an experienced Research Associate (level II and III) to support a multidisciplinary research program investigating the conformational and functional biology of intrinsically disordered proteins and regions (IDPs/IDRs). This is an experienced research position intended for a scientist capable of independently executing and optimizing technically demanding experimental workflows. The Research Associate will work closely with postdoctoral researchers and other members of the project team and will play a major role in large-scale protein production, quality control, sample preparation, and biochemical characterization.

Responsibilities

• Carry out protein expression, purification, and quality control for a large collection of IDR-containing proteins in human cells
• Optimize purification and handling protocols for proteins that may be unstable, aggregation-prone, highly charged, or structurally heterogeneous
• Perform routine and advanced protein characterization and maintain standardized QC criteria across protein batches
• Prepare and document samples for transfer to collaborating laboratories performing single-molecule profiling, HDX-MS, protein-interactome, and related assays
• Support in vitro protein interaction, condensation, aggregation, and binder-characterization experiments
• Maintain detailed sample inventories, batch records, QC documentation, and transfer manifests
• Assist with implementation and scaling of reproducible experimental workflows
• Work closely with the postdoctoral fellow to troubleshoot experimental problems and improve throughput and reproducibility
• Contribute to preparation of technical reports and milestone documentation

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, chemistry, protein science, or a related field, with substantial relevant research experience
• Extensive hands-on experience in recombinant protein expression and purification
• Demonstrated ability to independently execute established protocols and troubleshoot technically challenging experiments
• Strong laboratory organization, record keeping, and sample-management skills
• Experience managing multiple experimental samples or workflows in parallel
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-moving multidisciplinary research environment

Preferred qualifications

• Direct experience purifying and handling intrinsically disordered proteins or IDR-containing proteins is highly preferred
• Experience with difficult, aggregation-prone, low-complexity, or phase-separating proteins
• Experience with affinity chromatography, ion exchange, SEC, protein concentration/formulation, electrophoresis, and quantitative protein assays
• Experience preparing samples for mass spectrometry, HDX-MS, structural biology, or other high-end analytical platforms
• Experience establishing standardized protein-production or QC workflows
• Familiarity with automation or high-throughput protein production would be advantageous

Compensation and benefits

• Annual salary: RA II $65,000 – $80,000; RA III $70,500 – $90,000 depending on skills and experience
• Comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision coverage, paid time off, paid parental leave, 401(k) employer contribution, and a student debt repayment option

About the Buck

The Buck Institute for Research on Aging is the first independent biomedical research institute in the United States devoted solely to research on aging. Located in Novato, California, the Buck brings together scientists across multiple disciplines to study the mechanisms of aging and age-related disease to help people live better, longer.