Research Associate I/II, Viral Vector Production

Research Associate I/II, Viral Vector Production

Azalea Therapeutics is enabling precision genome engineering directly inside the body, with an initial focus on creating cancer immunotherapies in vivo. Azalea is pioneering a new way to turn a person's own T cells into a powerful cancer therapy — directly inside the body. Instead of removing cells and manipulating them in a lab, we use precision genome editing tools to engineer T cells where they already live. At the center of our approach are Enveloped Delivery Vehicles, or EDVs. As highly selective couriers, EDVs are designed to specifically locate T cells within the patient and deliver our genome engineering cargo. Once inside the cell, the anti-cancer agent is inserted into a precise site in the genome, ensuring safe and potent modifications to fortify the T cells against cancers.

We aim to make cell therapy faster and more accessible by avoiding complex manufacturing outside the body. Our platform is designed for precision, so the right cells are safely programmed to effectively fight cancer. This technology has the potential to treat a wide range of cancers with a streamlined, scalable process.

Our goal is simple: develop next-generation delivery technologies to bring genetic engineering and cell therapies to more patients.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a highly motivated and technically proficient Research Associate I/II to join our dynamic and growing team. Reporting to the Process Development Scientist, this role will be central to Azalea's viral vector production pipeline, directly impacting the delivery of our next-generation cell and genome therapies. As part of an innovative, intellectually stimulating, and fast-paced team, the Research Associate I/II will execute the routine production and purification workflows that power our R&D engine.

The Research Associate I/II will have opportunities for rapid scientific and professional growth, including the opportunity to specialize in advanced bioprocessing techniques and communicate findings within a collaborative team environment. The Research Associate I/II position requires on-site work 5 days/week at our world-class laboratory in Berkeley, CA.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute routine production of viral vectors (e.g., AAV, Lentivirus) to support platform development and therapeutic pipeline needs.
• Perform downstream purification processes, specifically utilizing ultracentrifugation for vector concentration and polishing.
• Maintain mammalian cell lines and manage scale-up for production runs.
• Analyze production yields and quality data, communicating results clearly within team meetings.
• Maintain detailed and organized records of production runs and experimental results
• Additional duties and responsibilities as required based on the needs of the company.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications
  • BS/BA and/or MS/MA in bioengineering, molecular biology, cell biology, or a related discipline with at least 1 year of laboratory research experience in an academic or industry setting.
  • Familiarity with ultracentrifugation techniques for the purification of biological particles.
  • Experience with mammalian cell culture (aseptic technique, cell counting, and maintenance).
  • Strong communication, problem-solving, organization, and work ethic.
  • Familiarity with electronic laboratory notebooks (such as Benchling)
  • Ability to work both collaboratively and individually in a fast-paced, production-oriented environment.
• Preferred Qualifications
  • Hands-on experience with standard unit operations (STR, UFDF, Chrom) for cell viral vector productions.
  • Experience with vector inventory management, 5S, or other lab-based logistics
  • Familiarity with vector characterization assays (e.g., qPCR/ddPCR for titration, ELISA or Western blot).

What Success Looks Like (first 3–6 months)

• Develop hands-on proficiency with Azalea's viral vector production workflows, including mammalian cell culture, transfection, and downstream purification using ultracentrifugation.
• Independently execute routine production runs with strong attention to sterility, reproducibility, and detailed documentation.
• Clearly analyze and communicate production results during team discussions while maintaining organized experimental records.
• Build familiarity with Azalea's platform technology and become a reliable contributor to the viral vector production pipeline. Gain hands on experience with scalable viral vector production approaches and associated processes.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements (if/as applicable)

• Ability to sit and stand throughout the day to complete lab activities.

Compensation

• The expected salary range for this role based on the primary location for this position in California is $70,000- $95,000 per year. Offer amounts are determined by factors such as experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. Salary will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, training, and market. Benefits include the potential for equity, employer-sponsored 401k, and competitive healthcare plans.

Azalea's Commitments

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): Azalea is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Reasonable Accommodation: We will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and to individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, consistent with applicable law. To request accommodation, email HR at View email address on click.appcast.io.

Applicant Privacy: Azalea collects and uses applicant personal information for recruiting and employment purposes. If applicable, Azalea will provide a California applicant privacy notice describing categories of information collected, purposes, retention, and rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA/CPRA).

Job Description Disclaimer: This job description may change at any time based on business needs. It is not a contract and does not create a promise of employment for any particular duration.

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