Biotechnology, Life Sciences, Scientific Research

Senior Research Associate, Drug Discovery

San Francisco, CAOnsiteFull TimeSenior$109,200–$140,000 /yrPosted 2 months agoVisa sponsorship available

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Required skills

mammalian cells
reagents
lab maintenance
cellular assays
biochemical assays
in vitro bioassays
assay protocols
assay SOPs
data integrity
project team meetings

Nice to have

viral based gene therapy
mRNA-LNP
nucleic acid therapeutics
small molecules
aging biology
rejuvenation biology

Role summary

Altos Labs is seeking a Senior Research Associate for its Drug Discovery team to support critical projects by executing biological and bioanalytical assays. The role involves mammalian cell culture, reagent management, and general lab maintenance. Responsibilities include designing, optimizing, automating, executing, and troubleshooting various assays, standardizing protocols, drafting SOPs, and documenting experimental data in an ELN. The position requires strong expertise in AAV gene therapy, genome titration, transgene expression, protein analysis, and state-of-the-art assay technologies. Experience with automation instruments and data analysis is essential. The role emphasizes benchtop science (~80%) and requires excellent communication and presentation skills.

Our Mission

Our mission is to restore cell health and resilience through cell rejuvenation to reverse disease, injury, and the disabilities that can occur throughout life.

For more information, see our website at altoslabs.com.

Our Value

Our Single Altos Value: Everyone Owns Achieving Our Inspiring Mission.

Diversity at Altos

Altos Labs has been named one of the Top 3 Biotech Companies and ranked for the second year on the Forbes 2026 Best Startups in America list. At Altos, exceptional scientists and industry leaders from around the world work together to advance a shared mission. Our intentional focus is on Belonging, so that all employees know that they are valued for their unique perspectives. We are all accountable for sustaining a diverse and inclusive environment.

What You Will Contribute To Altos

At Altos, your work will be at the heart of our mission to transform medicine by reversing disease and restoring cellular health. You will help develop a new generation of therapeutics rooted in an advanced understanding of cellular rejuvenation and resilience.

We are currently seeking a highly capable and motivated Senior Research Associate to join our Drug Discovery team. In this role, your primary focus will be supporting critical drug discovery and development projects by executing a wide range of biological and bioanalytical assays. We are looking for a dedicated team player who values collaborative success and open communication. Your expertise will directly advance our drug discovery campaigns across a diverse portfolio, making a significant impact on aging biology, rejuvenation, and the future of medicine.

Responsibilities

Work both independently and collaboratively with the scientific manager to drive drug discovery and development projects.

Culture and maintain mammalian cells, manage reagents and working stocks in addition to contributing to general lab maintenance.

Design, optimize, automate, execute, and troubleshoot a range of assays, including cellular, biochemical, and complex in vitro bioassays.

Standardize and optimize assay protocols and draft assay SOPs.

Document assay methods, raw data, and results in an electronic laboratory notebook (ELN), ensuring reproducibility and data integrity.

Make presentations and present data at project team meetings to support decision making.

The responsibilities of this role are expected to require ~80% of time dedicated to benchtop science.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

BS or MS in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related discipline, and a minimum of 5 years of industry experience in a drug discovery and/or development setting.

Strong expertise in technical methods in AAV gene therapy for cellular transduction assays (aseptic technique), genome titration (qPCR, ddPCR), transgene expression (RT-qPCR, ddPCR), and protein analysis (Western Blot, ELISA, and capillary electrophoresis).

Good understanding and hands-on experience developing and performing a wide range of analytical and bioassays with fluency in data analysis and application of statistical modalities.

Experience in state-of-art assay technologies such as MSD, HTRF, AlphaLISA, Luminex, etc.

Hands on experience in automation instruments and platforms (e.g. Bravo, Echo, I.DOT, Digital dispenser, etc.).

Proficient in documenting experimental design, analysis and interpretation of data in ELN.

Excellent data presentation, oral and written communication skills.

Detail-oriented, organized, flexible, and capable of multitasking in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working across diverse therapeutic modalities, including viral based gene therapy, mRNA-LNP or other nucleic acid therapeutics, and small molecules.

Background in the field of aging/rejuvenation biology.

Familiarity with assay qualification criteria, processes, and SOP authoring.

The salary range for Redwood City:

Senior Research Associate: $109,200 - $140,000

Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.

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Equal Opportunity Employment

We value collaboration and scientific excellence.

We believe that a culture of belonging are foundational to scientific innovation and inquiry. At Altos Labs, exceptional scientists and industry leaders from around the world work together to advance a shared mission. Our intentional focus is on Belonging, so that all employees know that they are valued for their unique perspectives. We are all accountable for sustaining an inclusive environment.

Altos Labs provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Altos prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Thank you for your interest in Altos Labs where we strive for a culture of scientific excellence, learning, and belonging.

Note: Altos Labs will not ask you to download a messaging app for an interview or outlay your own money to get started as an employee. If this sounds like your interaction with people claiming to be with Altos, it is not legitimate and has nothing to do with Altos. Learn more about a common job scam at https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-spot-avoid-online-job-scams-biron-clark/

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