Research Associate

ExcepGen is seeking a talented and motivated Research Associate to join its San Francisco team, working collaboratively with senior scientists to advance the company’s drug discovery research programs.

This is a unique opportunity to join an early-stage biotechnology startup and take on a wide range of responsibilities. The successful candidate should have the ability and willingness to work across a variety of functional areas. This position reports to the Chief Scientific Officer.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain mammalian, insect, and plant cell cultures
• Transfect cell lines for generation of stable cell lines or expression of recombinant proteins
• Purify recombinant proteins using standard purification technologies
• Perform in vitro functional assays as well as biophysical and/or cell-based binding assays
• Execute a range of experiments using molecular biology techniques such as plasmid design, nucleic acid and protein isolation, PCR and cloning
• Document all experimental procedures and results in an electronic laboratory notebook
• Use basic technical discretion to troubleshoot experiments with senior scientists
• Review data, prepare reports, and communicate experimental results to manager and in team meetings
• Maintain lab operations such as ordering, organizing, and restocking reagents, equipment, and other supplies

Education & Experience:

• B.S. or M.S. in Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or equivalent scientific discipline
• 1-3+ years of full-time laboratory experience in an industrial or academic setting

Skills & Competencies:

• Experienced in mammalian culture techniques including transfection and cell based functional assays
• Experienced in standard protein purification technologies including Affinity- and Size-Exclusion chromatography using an AEKTA-FPLC system, SDS-PAGE and Western blot
• Ability to interpret and clearly understand SOPs and laboratory procedures
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Detail-oriented with meticulous record-keeping
• Ability to coordinate and prioritize tasks across multiple projects to meet deadlines
• Working knowledge of data analysis software like Excel, Graphpad, or others
• Ability to adapt in a fast-paced startup environment and execute projects independently
• Willingness to work occasional weekends when needed for experiments
• Alignment with ExcepGen’s culture and values
• Compliance with all laboratory health and safety procedures

Nice to Have:

• Experience with general molecular biology techniques and approaches, including molecular cloning methods, PCR/qPCR, and primer design.
•  Experience writing protocols and maintaining detailed laboratory notebooks
• Experience in expressing and purifying membrane proteins and protein complexes
• Knowledge in maintaining and culturing insect-, plant- and yeast cells
• Ability to research new scientific areas and design protocols

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.