Research Associate Iii, Drug Discovery - Translational Sciences

Job Description

Cajal is seeking a Research Associate III  motivated by Cajal’s mission to develop new medicines for patients suffering with neurodegenerative disorders. We are a multi-disciplinary team of experienced scientists, combining state-of-the-art approaches in computational biology, functional genomics, high-throughput imaging, translational models, and drug discovery. In a short time, we have assembled a terrific team of talented, innovative, and passionate individuals to transform the field of neurodegeneration drug discovery. We aim to identify novel drug targets based on a deeper understanding into the spatiotemporal progression of disease and translate those discoveries into therapeutics that change the course of neurodegeneration. Cajal is now expanding to establish a world-class drug discovery organization.

As Research Associate III of the Translational Sciences team, you will be part of and support the development of new cellular models to drive preclinical and early drug discovery work across programs. In this position, you will not only provide cross-team support, but also independently drive experimental work from start to end for hypothesis testing and model assessment.  

Responsibilities:

• Perform routine mammalian cell culture for immortalized lines and/or iPSC-derived lines including but not limited to HEK293, SH-SY5Ys, iPSC-derived neurons; 
• Independently execute and optimize cell culture experiments for downstream analysis and phenotyping;
• Assist with molecular biology and cellular phenotyping of in vitro cellular models such as cloning, qPCR, FACs and imaging; 
• Provide support for downstream in vitro functional readout and analysis for immunoassays (MSD, ELISA);
• Participate in core tasks including but not limited to lentivirus production, laboratory inventory, and limited weekend tissue culture work; 
• Assess and troubleshoot experimental obstacles and provide recommendations to resolve the challenge;  Independently conducts data analysis and preparation of research summaries, to clearly present results at internal company team meetings and other settings;
• Provide cross-team support to achieve company goals. 

This job might be great for you if you:

• have a BA, BS, MS or equivalent in a biology-related field with 3+ years of research/laboratory experience,
• have  3+ years of experience in cell culture, transfection and transduction, 
• are familiar with basic molecular biology techniques including nucleic acid extraction and protein readouts (ELISA/MSD/Western blotting), as well as imaging of mammalian cell lines,
• proficiency with data analysis software and presentation tools, such as Prism and Microsoft/Google suites (basic formulas in Sheets/Excel, presentation in Slides/PowerPoint), 
• excited to learn, test, optimize and troubleshoot novel assays and models, 
• enjoy working in a fast paced environment,
• are detail-oriented and thrive in a highly collaborative, team-oriented startup environment,
• available for occasional off-hours / weekend work when needed
• love working in the lab, are organized, and take pride in your work.

Important Considerations

• Cajal’s science and collaborative culture is supported through our regular onsite connection. 
• This opportunity does not offer visa sponsorship.
• The annual base salary range for this role is $76,000 - $86,000 *

*Final salary depends on qualifications, experience, and level of skills relevant to the role, along with location, where applicable.

Company & Benefits

Cajal is a team of people-first individuals, motivated by our shared mission to advance the field of neurodegeneration. We are committed to ensuring that all our team members feel supported, connected, and energized at work. Our team members eagerly navigate the uncertainty and fast-paced environment of an early-stage biotech company and thrive on getting things done. We value creativity and curiosity in our work, and we take pride in the generosity, sincerity, and kindness of our team members.

Benefits include:

• Competitive compensation based on experience level
• Health insurance: 100% coverage of premiums for employee, partner, & all dependents
• Dental insurance: 100% of premiums
• Vision insurance: 100% of premiums
• Life insurance: 100% of premiums for 2x salary coverage
• Access to Flexible Spending Account
• 401(K) Plan with matching contributions
• 5 weeks paid time off plus 13 company holidays (2 floating)
• Up to 8 weeks parental paid parental leave in addition to WA Paid Family & Medical Leave 
• Generous commuter benefits including free metro cards, on site locker rooms/showers/towel service, modern bike cage and free bike tunes

Located in the Eastlake neighborhood of Seattle, Cajal sits at the heart of a vibrant biotech community, directly between research giants such as the Allen Institute and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. We are surrounded by fellow innovative biotech companies and startups and within a stone’s throw of the beautiful Lake Union and the University of Washington. Our state of the art office and labs offer natural light and stunning views of Lake Union, Gasworks Park and the Space Needle downtown. Our kitchen is fully stocked with coffee, tea, and snacks. All desks are sit-stand for maximal comfort and our meeting rooms seamlessly support hybrid teams.

Cajal is an equal opportunity employer that guarantees a work environment that respects and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. If you require any accommodations during the recruiting process, please coordinate with your recruiting contact.

To Apply

Please apply with your CV/resume and cover letter via Greenhouse.