Research Associate (contract)

Research Associate

Department: Research

Location: San Carlos, CA

Type: Contract, part-time

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About us

Switchback Therapeutics is developing breakthrough therapeutics for inflammation and autoimmune diseases by reprogramming immune cells to restore homeostasis. Our goal is to achieve deep and lasting remission from immune-mediated diseases by activating regulatory mechanisms rather than suppressing immune responses.

Position 

We are seeking a part-time, independent contractor Research Associate to support our in vitro experimentation. The RA will be expected to conduct in vitro experiments for the purpose of progressing drug candidates from research toward development stages. This is an in-lab and hands-on role that will focus on immune assays with emphasis on measuring biological activity and pharmacological attributes. The desired contractor will have technical experience in immunological assays with an interest in learning additional techniques and gaining independence in experimental conduct, design, and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Hands-on in vitro wet lab work.
• Immunological assays focused on flow cytometry and cytokine readouts via Luminex/ELISA.
• Human primary immune cell isolation and sterile tissue culture with downstream cell-based activity assays.
• Good documentation practices in recording experimental results and updating protocols.
• Effectively communicate experimental results orally and in writing.
• Comply with EH&S policies with respect to laboratory and community safety.

Desired Skills/Experience

• A Bachelor/Master degree in the biological sciences, immunology, or related laboratory experience with hands-on in vitro lab immune assays and cell-based sterile culture techniques.
• Experience with flow cytometry is highly desired; experience with Luminex/ELISA cytokine readout assays, bioanalytical protein binding assays such as SPR/BLI, qPCR, and RNA-seq are pluses.
• A working knowledge of immunology concepts is a plus.
• Adaptability and openness to learning and developing additional techniques.
• Ability to troubleshoot and propose corrective experimental designs.
• Behaves professionally and courteously towards colleagues and the community.