Research Associate II/Senior Research Associate, Biology

Third Rock Ventures - Cambridge, MA

- Mid Level

Cambridge, MA

Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities

About the position

This opportunity is for an individual who strives to innovate, is never satisfied with routine, and has a strong heart for ARTBIO's mission. A self-starter and innovator, you will be part of a cross-function team to lead key programs from our internal and partnered Discovery portfolio as well as support the build of the Early Discovery Biology disciplines at ARTBIO-Cambridge.

Responsibilities

• Develop and perform cell-based studies to support identification and validation of novel targets as well as the advancement of drug discovery projects from hit discovery through to development candidate selection
• Demonstrate proficiency and efficiency with mammalian cell culture, balancing simultaneous cell-based experiments, cell line engineering (CRISPR-Cas9, transfection, lentivirus generation and transduction), and routine maintenance culture of multiple cell lines
• Execute specimen preparation, staining, sample acquisition, analysis, and troubleshooting for flow cytometry
• Interrogate cell signaling pathways using western blotting, qPCR, RNAseq
• Develop plate-based assays to inform functional target engagement of ligands emerging from screening campaign (ELISA, complementation assays, etc)
• Independent experimental design, analysis, and presentation of data
• Analysis of literature to inform experimental design and assay development
• Multi-task and collaborate effectively with scientists and research associates across multiple teams to accomplish goals on tight timelines. Ability to navigate in a start-up environment and adapt in the 'unknown'
• Maintain compliance with lab documentation to enable collaboration among multinational project teams

Requirements

• BA/MA in Biology or related discipline, with 2-5+ years of industrial experience, or equivalent
• Background in cancer biology with experience and demonstrated success using cell biology techniques to enable discovery biology
• Strong technical skills in mammalian cell culture are required; proficiency and independence with core techniques such as Western blotting, CRISPR, flow cytometry, phenotypic assays are also essential
• Experience in development, optimization and execution of quantitative cellular assays to support small molecule drug discovery from hit confirmation through lead optimization
• Previous experience with plate-based complementation assays is preferred
• Excellent organizational, communication, multi-tasking/time-management and collaboration skills
• Outstanding problem-solver, driven by innovative approaches, and comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment
• Focus on the 'we' rather than the 'me'
• Driven by patients, passionate about our company culture, inclusive and respectful of all colleagues

Nice-to-haves

• Previous experience with plate-based complementation assays is preferred