Research Associate, Cellular Biology

Full-time - Entry Level

South San Francisco, CA

About the position

Atomic AI is a well-funded, early-stage biotechnology company revolutionizing drug discovery by integrating artificial intelligence with structural biology. Our proprietary R&D platform, featured on the cover of Science, enables the design of novel therapeutics targeting RNA structure, opening new avenues for treating previously undruggable diseases. We are a highly interdisciplinary team that values collaboration, innovation, and the people who make our mission possible. We are seeking a Research Associate in Cellular Biology to join our drug discovery team and contribute to the development of RNA-targeting technologies. This role involves hands-on wet lab work, focusing on cell-based assay development, cellular engineering, and high-throughput screening to support our preclinical programs.

Responsibilities

• Design and construct expression vectors (plasmids).
• Engineer transient and stable reporter cell lines for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies and validation.
• Perform high-throughput screening and secondary validation using cell-based and biochemical assays.
• Conduct assays including qPCR, luciferase, fluorescent protein, and Western blotting.
• Validate antibodies for Western blot analysis.
• Develop and culture CDX (cell-derived xenograft) lines that express target genes at disease-relevant levels.
• Perform RNA production for sequences >120 nt.
• Culture and maintain mammalian cell lines, including CDX models.
• Execute transient and stable cell transfections.
• Optimize and troubleshoot cell-based assays for in-cell proof-of-concept studies.
• Maintain meticulous records of experiments in an ELN (electronic lab notebook).
• Analyze and present data in team meetings.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external CROs to advance project milestones.

Requirements

• BS/MS in Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field with 2-5 years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong background in cell-based assays, molecular biology, and protein/RNA analysis.
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, transfections, and reporter assay development.
• Proficiency in qPCR, Western blotting, luciferase assays, and fluorescence-based assays.
• Experience with RNA isolation and production (>120 nt).

Nice-to-haves

• Familiarity with high-throughput screening techniques and liquid handlers is a plus.

Benefits

• Salary range: $85,000 - $95,000/year
• Equity
• Benefits