Research Associate / Senior Research Associate, Therapeutic Technologies

Company Addition Therapeutics is at the forefront of biotechnology innovation, building the next generation of gene therapy using our proprietary PRINT™ (Precise RNA-mediated Insertion of Transgenes) platform. PRINT™ redefines genetic medicine by enabling the development of RNA-only therapeutics capable of inserting any genetic element into specific safe harbor sites within the genome. Operating from state-of-the-art labs in South San Francisco, we are a Series A-stage company advancing programs across rare and common diseases.

About The Role

The day-to-day responsibilities of this role will include:

• Produce research-grade RNA by in vitro transcription (IVT) at routine cadence and scale — template preparation, transcription, capping and tailing, DNase treatment, and purification — and release material against defined quality specifications.
• Perform RNA quality control (concentration, purity, and integrity by spectrophotometry, fluorometry, and electrophoretic/capillary methods) and keep clear, traceable records of every lot.
• Maintain mammalian cell lines and disease-relevant models — passaging, cryopreservation, thawing, and routine health/mycoplasma monitoring — so assay-ready cells are available on schedule.
• Deliver PRINT RNA into cells by transfection, lipofection, and electroporation/nucleofection across multiple cell types.
• Execute the associated readout assays — reporter (luciferase/fluorescent) assays, ELISA for secreted proteins, qPCR/ddPCR for transgene expression and copy number, flow cytometry, and high-content imaging — generating accurate, reproducible data.
• Analyze, plot, and clearly document results in the electronic lab notebook; flag anomalies and contribute to troubleshooting and protocol refinement.
• Support assay optimization and modest throughput scale-up as programs grow, including work with liquid-handling automation where applicable.
• Help keep the lab running: reagent and consumable inventory, sample and reagent tracking, and routine instrument upkeep.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, biotechnology, or a related field, with ~2–5 years of hands-on laboratory experience (industry preferred).
• Strong, current mammalian cell culture skills — sterile technique, maintenance of multiple lines, and transfection.
• Hands-on molecular biology experience, including RNA handling and RNase-free technique; in vitro transcription (IVT) experience strongly preferred.
• Proficiency across standard cell-based and biochemical assays such as reporter assays, ELISA, qPCR/ddPCR, flow cytometry, or Western blot.
• Demonstrated reliability, organization, and attention to detail — you produce reproducible data and document it clearly.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks in a fast-paced environment and to communicate results to a cross-functional team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience producing or QC'ing mRNA/RNA reagents (capping, tailing, integrity analysis by TapeStation/Bioanalyzer/fragment analyzer).
• Experience with high-content imaging and/or flow cytometry.
• Familiarity with automated liquid handling (e.g., Biomek, Echo) or high-throughput assay workflows.
• Experience with secreted-protein or hormone assays in a disease-relevant context.
• Exposure to gene therapy, mRNA, or other RNA-based therapeutic modalities.
• Basic data-analysis skills in R, Python, GraphPad Prism, or similar.

Benefits

Competitive salary, equity, and benefits, in a collaborative and supportive environment in South San Francisco.

Pay

The expected annual salary range for this full-time position is $98,000–$130,000, plus eligibility for bonus, benefits, and equity incentives. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, business needs, internal equity, and alignment with market data.