Senior Research Associate, Biology

About Us Jnana Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Otsuka Pharmaceutical, is a clinical-stage biotechnology company leveraging its next-generation RAPID chemoproteomics platform to discover medicines for highly validated, challenging-to-drug targets to treat diseases with high unmet needs. Jnana is focused on developing first- and best-in-class therapies to treat a wide range of diseases, including rare diseases and immune-mediated diseases. Jnana’s lead program, JNT-517, which targets an allosteric site on the phenylalanine transporter SLC6A19, is a potential first-in-class oral approach for the treatment of PKU, a rare genetic metabolic disease. Located in Boston, Jnana brings together scientific leaders in small molecule drug discovery and development, and a highly experienced management team. For more information, please visit and follow us on Twitter/X and LinkedIn. At Jnana, you'll join a diverse, passionate team dedicated to advancing therapies for challenging diseases. Our collaborative, purpose-driven culture fosters innovation, urgency, and belonging—making Jnana a great place to work. About the Opportunity Jnana Therapeutics is hiring a Senior Research Associate with strong scientific drive and passion for innovation within a team-oriented environment. This individual will conduct cellular assays, develop novel cellular models, and elucidate complex mechanisms-of-action to support our pharmacology strategy and drug discovery efforts. This is a laboratory-based role. Responsibilities Develop cellular and biochemical assays to support in vitro pharmacology studies and generate novel in vitro-based disease models. Screen compounds through biochemical and cellular assays to support medicinal chemistry & drug development decisions. Support mechanism-of-action and biomarker selection efforts by executing downstream analyses of tissues emerging from in vivo pharmacology studies. Design, execute, and troubleshoot mechanistic experiments seeking to understand the biological activity of small molecules. Independently analyze and interpret data to recommend key next steps for project teams. Clearly document research processes and communicate research progress to the project team and to a broader company-wide audience with diverse scientific backgrounds. Preferred Qualifications & Experience Bachelor’s/Master's degree in biology or another related field with 3+ years of relevant industry experience in a Drug Discovery setting. Prior cell culture, cell engineering, and cell-based assay experience working with a diverse range of cell lines and primary cell types including immune cells derived from PBMCs. Experience with a broad range of methodologies including MSD, ELISA, immunofluorescence staining and imaging, RNA extractions, RT-qPCR, Western blotting, CRISPR, construct design, transfection/transduction, and multicolor flow cytometry. Familiarity with compound screening using reporter gene assays, HiBit, NanoBRET, HTRF, and/or AlphaLISA. Prior experience handling various mouse tissues is a plus. Experience with liquid handling/robotics is a plus. Must be a scientifically motivated self-starter willing to tackle new challenges in a fast-paced team environment and demonstrate ability to independently plan, execute, and present experiments in a timely manner. Minimum $78,400.00 - Maximum $112,700.00, plus incentive opportunity: The range shown represents a typical pay range or starting pay for individuals who are hired in the role to perform in the United States. Other elements may be used to determine actual pay such as the candidate’s job experience, specific skills, and comparison to internal incumbents currently in role. Typically, actual pay will be positioned within the established range, rather than at its minimum or maximum. This information is provided to applicants in accordance with states and local laws. Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 5 business days. Company benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, company provided basic life, accidental death & dismemberment, short-term and long-term disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance, a generous 401(k) match, flexible time off, paid holidays, and paid leave programs as well as other company provided benefits. Come discover more about Jnana and our benefit offerings; Disclaimer: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the people assigned to this position. It is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. Jnana Therapeutics reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary. Jnana Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will be given consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, national origin, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation, if you are unable or limited in your ability to apply to this job opening as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Accommodation Request. Statement Regarding Job Recruiting Fraud Scams At Jnana Therapeutics we take security and protection of your personal information very seriously. Please be aware individuals may approach you and falsely present themselves as our employees or representatives. 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Jnana Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Otsuka Pharmaceutical, is a clinical-stage biotechnology company leveraging its next-generation RAPID chemoproteomics platform to discover medicines for highly validated, challenging-to-drug targets to treat diseases with high unmet needs. Jnana is focused on developing first- and best-in-class therapies to treat a wide range of diseases, including rare diseases and immune-mediated diseases. Located in Boston, Jnana brings together scientific leaders in small molecule drug discovery and development, and a highly experienced management team. For more information, please visit and follow us on Twitter/X and LinkedIn. At Jnana, you'll join a diverse, passionate team dedicated to advancing therapies for challenging diseases. Our collaborative, purpose-driven culture fosters innovation, urgency, and belonging—making Jnana a great place to work!