Senior Research Associate, Nucleic Acid Payload Engineering and Production

Seawolf Therapeutics is a venture-backed company based in San Diego, CA. We are an innovative and collaborative team developing DNA-based medicines that will be first-in-class and best-in-class long-acting therapeutics for patients living with unmet medical needs. Come join our team and be an agent of change. Overview of Role Seawolf Therapeutics is seeking a talented, highly motivated, and detail-oriented Senior Research associate to join our Payload Engineering team. This is a hands-on, on-site role with approximately 80% lab work and 20% experimental planning, data analysis, and data uploads. This individual will help create novel expression constructs, which will be combined with non-viral in vivo delivery technologies for therapeutic applications. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with molecular biology tools and techniques for designing, cloning, production, purification, analysis, and scale-up of mammalian gene expression constructs from both bacterial and non-bacterial origins. This role requires someone who is highly organized, communicates effectively, can prioritize multiple tasks based on current goals and timelines, and thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Job Responsibilities - What You’ll Do Contribute to the production of nucleic acid payloads for non-viral delivery systems. Apply molecular cloning and synthetic biology techniques to design and generate novel nucleic acid constructs. Purify nucleic acid constructs using AKTA chromatography (FPLC) systems and tangential flow filtration (TFF). Characterize nucleic acids using analytical methods such as gel electrophoresis, qPCR, ddPCR, sequencing, and spectrophotometry. Support process optimization and small-scale production of research-grade materials for in vitro and in vivo studies. Plan, execute, analyze, and interpret experiments involving DNA and other nucleic acid modalities. Troubleshoot experimental and production challenges, analyze data, and communicate findings to project teams. Maintain accurate laboratory documentation, batch records, SOPs, and reagent inventories in compliance with internal quality standards and applicable GLP practices. Collaborate cross-functionally to solve technical problems, support innovation, and advance project goals. Help maintain a safe, organized, and compliant laboratory environment. Qualifications - Who You Are BS/MS in a relevant scientific discipline with 3+ years of industry experience. Strong hands-on experience in molecular cloning, nucleic acid production, purification, and characterization. Demonstrated rigorous inventory control and data management practices, ensuring accurate sample traceability, documentation, and timely upload of experimental results into internal systems. Proficient in standard molecular biology techniques, including bacterial plasmid work, restriction enzyme cloning, Gibson Assembly, and Golden Gate Assembly. Experienced with nucleic acid analytical methods including gel electrophoresis, qPCR, ddPCR, and sequencing. Familiarity with software and systems such as SnapGene, Microsoft Office, ELNs, and LIMS. Experience with viral or non-viral nucleic acid delivery systems is a plus. Self-motivated and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, collaborative startup environment. Strong problem-solving, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills with high attention to detail. Team-oriented, adaptable, scientifically curious, and committed to scientific integrity and inclusive collaboration. Authorization Applicants must have authorization to work in the US The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in San Diego, CA is $65,000 to $90,000 . The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience within the job, type and length of experience within the industry, education, etc. Seawolf provides competitive salaries and an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401K, stock options and bonus. #J-18808-Ljbffr Seawolf Therapeutics, Inc.