Research Associate, Discovery Sciences

ABOUT AVALON BIOVENTURES:

Avalon BioVentures is a biotech venture capital firm that builds on Avalon’s 40-year success in pursuing disruptive ideas to improve life. From its established offices and labs on the Torrey Pines Mesa, in La Jolla, California, Avalon BioVentures leverages its Accelerator, which provides operational infrastructure and support, and the team’s extensive experience to identify promising science, build agile companies, and advance breakthrough therapeutics.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Research Associate to join our team within the newest company in the Accelerator. This hands-on role is essential to the day-to-day operations of our laboratory. You will contribute directly to antibody production, biochemical and biophysical characterization. In addition to technical benchwork, you will play a key role in maintaining laboratory efficiency through consumables management, media preparation, and core laboratory support.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Molecular Biology and Protein Biochemistry

• Develop and run Molecular biology processes, including PCR, cloning, purification, quantification etc.
• Express, purify, and screen recombinant antibodies and proteins using standard platforms (e.g., mammalian cell culture, affinity chromatography).
• Perform biochemical and biophysical characterization using techniques such as SDS-PAGE, Western Blotting, SEC-HPLC, and thermal stability assays.
• Help troubleshoot purification protocols and routine analytical workflows to maintain high quality and yield.

Cell-Based Assays

• Maintain mammalian cell lines and primary-cell preparation/culture systems with consistent quality.
• Prepare reagents, controls and plates; support flow cytometry, ELISA/MSD/Luminex and other platform workflows as relevant.
• Capture and QC data, maintain accurate ELN documentation, and flag assay deviations or cell/reagent issues quickly.

Laboratory Operations & Management

• Manage laboratory inventory, including tracking, ordering, and restocking consumables, reagents, and media.
• Prepare common laboratory reagents, stock solutions, and cell culture media.
• Maintain, calibrate, and clean core laboratory equipment (e.g., biological safety cabinets, incubators, centrifuges).
• Coordinate lab dishwashing, sterilization (autoclaving), and biohazardous waste disposal.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and proper waste handling.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• B.S. or M.S. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related life sciences discipline.

• 1–3 years of hands-on experience in a research or industry laboratory setting (academic labs with strong hands-on scope included).

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Experience of standard Molecular Biology techniques.
• Proficiency in mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique.
• Hands-on experience with protein/antibody purification (e.g., Protein A/G, Ni-NTA) and standard biochemical assays (SDS-PAGE, Western Blot).
• Experience with immunoassay platforms (MSD, ELISA) and/or flow cytometry
• Immunology/immunoassays background experience is considered a "plus"

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Rigorous record-keeping habits and familiarity with ELNs.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

WHAT WE OFFER

In addition to a competitive compensation package with stock options, the company also offers a comprehensive benefits package for our employees and their families, which includes medical, dental, vision, and supplemental disability insurance.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $70,000 – 95,000 (non-exempt)

Supplemental pay types:

• Annual Bonus: 10%

Benefits:

• 401(k)

• Dental insurance

• Employee assistance program

• Flexible schedule

• Flexible spending account

• Health insurance

• Life insurance

• Parental leave

• Paid holidays

• Relocation assistance (if eligible)

• Retirement plan

• Vacation accrual

• Vision insurance

• Year-end shutdown

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. The above description is intended to describe the general nature of the job and may include other duties as assumed or assigned; it is not intended to be all inclusive or limit the duties of the position.