Research Associate - Protein

About the role

We are looking for a highly hands-on Research Associate to join our team and support protein science and cell biology workflows on the Medra Physical AI platform.

Responsibilities

• Execute protein expression experiments across multiple host systems (e.g., mammalian, E. coli, cell-free) at various scales, from small-scale screens to larger production runs
• Run protein characterization assays, including SPR, BLI, DSF/DSC, and various developability assays
• Perform cell-based binding and functional assays to evaluate candidates against cell-surface targets and assess functional activity
• Own day-to-day operation and organization of the cell culture facility, including routine passaging using sterile technique, inventory management, and equipment maintenance
• Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records in electronic lab notebooks (ELN), and contribute to SOP development
• Collaborate with scientists and cross-functional team members to ensure smooth handoffs and timely execution across the protein screening and characterization workflow

Requirements

• B.S. or B.A., or MS in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline
• 2-4 years (M.S.) or 4–6 (B.S./B.A.) years of hands-on, industry lab experience in protein science — we value deep bench experience over advanced degrees
• Demonstrated expertise in protein expression using mammalian cell lines (e.g., Expi293, ExpiCHO) and/or microbial systems
• Strong hands-on experience with high-throughput protein quality control and biophysical characterization
• Experience maintaining mammalian cell lines and performing cell-based assays in an industry setting, including flow cytometry
• Strong documentation habits, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently on defined tasks
• A scrappy, can-do attitude — you figure things out and get things done

Qualifications

• Familiarity with developability assessment assays (HIC, AC-SINS, PSR, or similar)
• Familiarity with analytical characterization techniques such as HPLC-SEC, HPLC-HIC, or FACS-based binding assays
• Familiarity with imaging-based cell assays (e.g., high-content imaging, fluorescence microscopy)
• Experience with cell-free protein expression or specialized enzyme workflows
• Comfort working with lab automation or robotics platforms

What You Bring To The Team

• B.S. or B.A., or MS in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline
• 2-4 years (M.S.) or 4–6 (B.S./B.A.) years of hands-on, industry lab experience in protein science — we value deep bench experience over advanced degrees
• Demonstrated expertise in protein expression using mammalian cell lines (e.g., Expi293, ExpiCHO) and/or microbial systems
• Strong hands-on experience with high-throughput protein quality control and biophysical characterization
• Experience maintaining mammalian cell lines and performing cell-based assays in an industry setting, including flow cytometry
• Strong documentation habits, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently on defined tasks
• A scrappy, can-do attitude — you figure things out and get things done

What We Offer

• An opportunity to change the way that scientific research happens
• A fast-paced, creative, and collaborative work environment
• Significant equity ownership
• 401(k)
• Medical and dental insurance
• Unlimited PTO
• Weekday dinners

Location

This position is 100% in-person; you must be able to come on-site to our San Francisco office. We offer relocation benefits for applicants who need to relocate.