Research Associate 2, Cell Culture Specialist

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Job description

Eikon Therapeutics is a new biopharmaceutical company employing revolutionary technology at the intersection of chemistry, engineering, computation, and biology to discover novel treatments for life-threatening diseases. Eikon's discovery platform is built on groundbreaking innovations from its founders (Nobel Prize, 2014), culminating in the creation of microscopes which enable real time, molecular-resolution measurements of protein movement in living cells, thereby unlocking otherwise intractable classes of proteins as drug targets.

Position

We are seeking a motivated and skilled specialist in cell culture to join our very dynamic Cell Operations research team. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in our mission by actively participating in cutting-edge, large scale data generation research projects at the intersection of biology and technology. You will have the opportunity to contribute to experimental design, data collection, and analysis, as well as collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovative solutions.

About You

The ideal candidate for this position will have strong experience in mammalian cell culture and laboratory techniques such as gel electrophoresis, western blotting and microscopy, showcasing their proficiency in these essential laboratory skills. They will execute muti-scale cell culture processes to support our drug discovery platform as well as be responsible to execute a series of critical cell culture work, which includes quality control of cell lines, characterization of cell lines and types, and biobanking. Additionally, this candidate possesses strong organizational skills and attention to detail, ensuring accurate and reliable experimental results. Their ability to effectively use data analysis software and tools commonly employed in biological research, coupled with excellent communication skills, allows them to interact with team members and contribute to a collaborative scientific environment. They are adaptable and responsive to evolving research priorities and challenges in a fast-paced research setting.

What You'll Do

• Maintain and expand cell lines in multiple setup size scales, using different cell types in different platforms to support our research programs.
• Bank cell lines, organize cell inventories, and maintain accurate digital cell records.
• Utilize liquid handling systems and automation to manipulate cells.
• Run biochemical assays such as Western Blotting to characterize cell lines.
• Contribute to the design, execution, and analysis of experiments that leverage the synergy between biology and technology.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, ensuring accuracy, precision, and adherence to protocols.
• Perform a variety of laboratory techniques, including sample preparation, cell culture, molecular biology, and data acquisition.
• Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams to support research initiatives, sharing insights and contributing to project objectives.
• Document experimental procedures, results, and observations in a detailed and organized manner.
• Participate in data analysis, interpretation, and presentation of research findings to internal teams.
• Stay informed about the latest scientific advancements and industry trends, integrating pertinent knowledge into research activities.

Qualifications

• A Master's or a Bachelor's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience in Cell Culture.
• The candidate should have strong understanding of cell culture biology, including how to assess and optimize cell growth conditions across a range of different cell types.
• Adherent mammalian cell culture experience is a must. Suspension cell culture is a plus. Experience working with a multitude of cell types, including iPSCs is desired.
• Experience with cell manufacturing in industry settings is highly desirable.
• Hands-on laboratory experience in techniques such as microscopy, gel electrophoresis, and Western Blotting.
• Experience using automated systems is desired.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, ensuring accurate and reliable experimental results.
• Proficiency in data analysis software and tools commonly used in biological research.
• Excellent communication skills, facilitating effective interaction with team members and contributing to a collaborative scientific environment.
• Adaptable and responsive to evolving research priorities and challenges in a fast-paced environment.

At Eikon, employee compensation also includes bonus and equity compensation, in addition to several generous benefit programs, including:

• 401k plan with company matching
• Medical (premiums covered by Eikon at 95%), dental and vision insurance (premiums covered by Eikon at 100%)
• Mental health and wellness benefits
• Weeklong summer and winter holiday shutdowns
• Generous paid time off and holiday policies
• Life/AD&D Insurance (premiums covered by Eikon at 100%) and optional supplemental employee-paid life/AD&D policies
• Enhanced parental leave benefit
• Daily subsidized lunch program when on-site

The expected salary range for this role is $83,000 to $92,500 depending on skills, competency, and the market demand for your expertise.

Eikon is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment.

In accordance with the Company's duty to provide and maintain a safe workplace, the Company requires all employees to be Fully Vaccinated with one of the FDA approved COVID-19 vaccines, which includes those vaccines that have received the FDA's emergency use authorization. You will be expected to be Fully Vaccinated as of your Start Date. If you believe that you are exempt from this requirement under an applicable law or regulations, including Americans with Disabilities Act and California's Fair Employment and Housing Act, you will need to contact the Company's Human Resources group. For purposes of this section, Fully Vaccinated means (i) the completion of the vaccination regimen as approved by the FDA (by way of example, 2 doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine and 1 dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine), and (ii) timely receiving booster vaccination, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

We are currently not accepting any new third-party agencies or firms at this time. Please do not forward unsolicited agency resumes to our website, employees or Human Resources. Eikon Therapeutics will not pay fees to any third-party agency or firm associated with unsolicited resumes.

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