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Research Associate II

South San Francisco, CA 94080

Posted: 05/15/2025 Employment Type: Contract Industry: Medical Affairs, Research and Discovery Job Number: 12149 Pay Rate: $41.00 - $45.00 Remote Friendly: Onsite

Job Description

Our client is a leading biotechnology company that discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes medicines to treat patients with serious or life-threatening medical conditions. They are among the world's leading biotech companies, with multiple products on the market and a promising development pipeline.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated contractor to support discovery efforts in the Macrocycle Discovery Group within the Peptide Therapeutics Department. The successful candidate will contribute to the identification of novel macrocyclic peptides using in vitro selection platforms and will play a key role in assay development, high-throughput screening, and data analysis for early drug discovery programs.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Conduct in vitro selection campaigns using mRNA and/or phage display technologies to discover active macrocyclic peptides targeting high-priority therapeutic proteins.
  • Handle phage libraries, including amplification, titration, panning, and rescue procedures.
  • Design and execute ELISA-based binding assays for hit validation and screening.
  • Utilize laboratory automation and high-throughput screening (HTS) techniques to enable efficient assay setup, sample processing, and reagent preparation.
  • Analyze next-generation sequencing (NGS) results using internal bioinformatics tools to identify early hits and guide selection campaign progression.
  • Test the incorporation and expression of non-canonical amino acid monomers to enhance library diversity through genetic code expansion.
  • Maintain and manage complex reagent inventories used across multiple preclinical discovery platforms.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with scientists in biochemistry, screening, and informatics to support project goals and timelines.

Job Requirements

Qualifications:
  • B.S., M.S., or equivalent degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemical Biology, or a related discipline with relevant lab-based experience.
  • Hands-on experience with in vitro display technologies, particularly mRNA display and/or phage display (including phage propagation and selection).
  • Proficiency in ELISA, western blot, and high-throughput screening methods.
  • Familiarity with NGS data analysis and experience with laboratory automation platforms.
  • Strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Meet Your Recruiter

Jay Hite
Recruiter, Account Manager

As a Recruiter at Compass, Jay enjoys meeting job seekers and helping them to find new and exciting opportunities. He enjoys the process of getting to know candidates and learning all about their experience and what their future goals are. Jay feels the excitement of his candidates and is passionate about helping to find a fit both culturally and professionally. 

When Jay isn’t working, he enjoys bike rides, trying out new foods, tequila tasting and watching movies.  

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