Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join the Biology team at VidaVinci. The Biology group is responsible for building and executing cellular, biochemical, and pharmacological assays to advance both platform development and drug discovery programs. The successful candidate will be a hands-on bench scientist with prior training in an industry setting, capable of independently developing and running assays, generating high-quality data, and collaborating closely with scientists across disciplines. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the foundation of a fast-growing, next-generation biotech.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and execute cell-based assays to assess compound activity, potency, and mechanism of action.
• Maintain and engineer mammalian cell lines (culture, transfection, transduction, CRISPR/siRNA knockdown, reporter line generation).
• Perform standard molecular and cellular biology techniques (e.g., Western blotting, ELISA/MSD, qPCR, luminescence, and viability assays).
• Design and execute immune cell–based assays (e.g., PBMC stimulation, T cell activation, macrophage polarization), including flow cytometry and multiplex cytokine readouts, to evaluate compound effects on immune pathways and inflammation-related targets.
• Develop and apply oncology-relevant cellular models (e.g., proliferation, apoptosis, DNA damage, and signal transduction assays) to assess compound activity and mechanism of action in cancer biology.
• Run compound testing workflows, including SAR differentiation, dose–response, and mechanistic studies.
• Analyze, interpret, and clearly communicate results to advance drug discovery projects.
• Document experimental work in ELN with accuracy and timeliness.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with chemistry, protein sciences, DMPK, and structural biology groups to deliver integrated project results.
• Contribute to target validation, biomarker identification, and mechanistic studies to support the progression of novel therapeutic programs.
• Present findings in team meetings and contribute to publications, patent applications, and conference presentations as appropriate.
• Participate in lab operations, assay optimization, and implementation of new technologies to increase throughput and quality.

Qualifications

• Degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, or related field with either a B.S. with 1-3 years of industry experience for a Research Associate or M.S. with 3-5 years of industry experience for a Senior Research Associate.
• Hands-on experience with cell culture and routine molecular/cellular biology methods.
• Prior experience developing or executing cell-based functional assays (e.g., reporter assays, viability/proliferation, cytokine release, or luminescence-based formats).
• Familiarity with compound testing workflows and drug discovery assay development preferred.
• Demonstrated experience working on small molecule or peptide-based modalities (and adapting biological assays to novel mechanisms of action.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in standard data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., GraphPad Prism, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a collaborative mindset.
• Self-motivated, creative and solution-based mindset, flexible, and excited to contribute in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

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