Senior Research Associate, Biology and Translational Science

Position: Senior Research Associate, Biology and Translational Science Location: Newark, CAJob Id: 425 # of Openings: 0 Senior Research Associate, Biology and Translational ScienceAbout UsProtagonist Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company built on a proprietary peptide technology platform that has now produced two FDA-approved, first-in-class medicines, generating royalties and milestones from global commercial partnerships with Johnson and Johnson and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. ICOTYDE (icotrokinra), licensed to Johnson & Johnson company Janssen Biotech, Inc., is the first and only targeted oral peptide that precisely blocks the Interleukin-23 receptor. ICOTYDE was launched in the U.S. in March 2026 for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age or older and is in Phase 3 development for psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. ICOTYDE was jointly discovered by Protagonist and Johnson & Johnson scientists, with Protagonist having primary responsibility for the development of ICOTYDE through Phase 1, and Johnson & Johnson assuming responsibility for further clinical and regulatory development and commercialization. Protagonist also discovered and led research and development through Phase 3 for MIMRYLO (rusfertide), a first-in-class hepcidin mimetic peptide licensed to Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited for worldwide commercialization. MIMRYLO is approved in the U.S. for the treatment of erythrocytosis in adults with PV. The Company also has a number of clinical and preclinical programs based on clinically and commercially validated targets and addressing unmet medical needs, including an oral IL-17 antagonist peptide, anti-obesity dual and triple agonists, an oral hepcidin functional mimetic, and the recently announced IL-4 and amylin discovery programs.More information on Protagonist, its pipeline drug candidates, and clinical studies can be found on the Company's website at .Position SummaryWe are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Senior Research Associate to join our Biology and Translational Science team in Early Drug Discovery. The successful candidate will play a critical role in advancing our pipeline by executing in vitro and ex vivo studies to support target discovery, development, and project progression.This role will support multiple projects, work closely with senior scientists, and collaborate with members of the Biology and Translational Science team, Chemistry, and Pharmacology to support portfolio growth.We are committed to a thriving in-office culture. This role requires being on-site at our office in Newark, CA 4 days a week.ResponsibilitiesDevelop, implement and conduct cell-based assays, and in vitro biochemical assays, including but not limited to HTRF, MSD, ELISA and flow cytometry-based assaysMaintain cell lines related to the projectPerform routine and advanced laboratory protocols, specializing in tissue processing (e.g., murine tissues for downstream analysis), RNA isolation, and multi-color flow cytometry.Analyze, interpret, summarize and communicate scientific data to the project teams in a timely mannerEnsure the quality and reliability of screening data.Work closely with other teams in Discovery to support project needs.Collaborate with team members to identify and develop new methods to support target discovery and development.Lead and/or assist in writing and revising technical documents including testing protocols and data reportsMaintain up-to-date records in the electronic lab notebookEstablish and maintain proper reagent & sample inventories, and databasesEnsure reagents, instruments, processes are up-to-date and meet the industry standardRequired Skills & QualificationsBS/MS in cell biology, molecular biology, immunology or related fields is required.Industry relevant laboratory experience of 6 years after BS or 4 years after MSProficiency in the following techniques: cell-based assays, maintaining cells lines, handling of tissue samples from pre-clinical models, handling human whole blood, working with primary cells, HTRF, MSD, ELISA, cell-based assays, flow cytometry, and experience in molecular biology techniques is preferredProficiency with software such as GraphPad Prism, flow cytometry plots, Microsoft Office etc., for data analysis and figure generationAttention to detail with excellent organizational, experimental data recording and time management skillsCapability to work independently and simultaneously on multiple tasksAbility to interact effectively with team members and function collaboratively in a highly productive, dynamic and fast-paced environmentStrong verbal and written communication skillsHigh level of agility and comfort working in a fast-paced, newly formed team environment where processes are actively being built and refinedFamiliarity with relevant disease areas (e.g., metabolic syndrome, autoimmunity, allergy, hematology) or biology themes (e.g., immunology, energy expenditure, platelet function)Expert-level knowledge in key technical areas like molecular biology, flow cytometry, or energy expenditure assaysExperience working with human primary cells, i.e., isolating cells from blood or solid tissueExperience working with organoid modelsPay Range The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $110,000 and $130,000/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.BenefitsA top priority for Protagonist Therapeutics, Inc. is to provide a robust and comprehensive health and wellness program for our employees and their families. We offer a variety of high-quality coverage and benefit options.Health Care benefits. Protagonist covers 100% of the premium cost for medical, dental, and vision coverage for all full-time employees and their dependents.Flexible Spending Accounts – Healthcare FSA, Dependent Care FSA, Commuter Benefits401(k) PlanFlexible Vacation PolicyLife Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)Short Term & Long Term DisabilityCompany paid lunch and snacks Apply for this Position