Senior Research Associate, Discovery Biology

Job Description:

We are seeking a motivated and organized Senior Research Associate who aspires to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives across multiple therapeutic areas. This is an exciting opportunity to join our Discovery Biology team and contribute to the discovery and development of next-generation oligonucleotide therapeutics within a fast-paced, collaborative, and innovative research environment.

The successful candidate will play a key role in the design and execution of in vivo studies and downstream analyses, including qPCR, ELISA, Western blotting, and other molecular and cellular assays. In addition, this individual will help manage and maintain animal colonies while gaining exposure to a broad range of drug discovery activities. We are looking for a scientifically curious, hands-on team player who is eager to learn new techniques, expand their skill set, and grow alongside a dynamic research organization.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Develop and promote a workplace culture that values diversity of thought, promote integrity and create an atmosphere that supports coaching and fosters accountability.
• Contribute to the advancement of preclinical discovery programs across multiple therapeutic areas by supporting the design, execution, analysis, and troubleshooting of in vivo studies and associated downstream assays. 
• Independently plan and prioritize activities to ensure the timely completion of assigned objectives and project deliverables. 
• Manage and maintain mouse colonies, including coordinating study logistics, animal ordering, breeding strategies, and experimental scheduling to support in vivo research programs. 
• Effectively communicate experimental results and recommendations to supervisors, project teams, and cross-functional stakeholders. 
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues across Discovery Biology and other departments while also demonstrating the ability to work independently and take ownership of assigned projects. 
• Continuously expand technical expertise by learning and implementing new experimental techniques and contributing to the development of innovative research approaches.
• Maintain updated and well-organized lab notebooks (paper-based)
• Maintain accurate, organized, and up-to-date electronic laboratory notebooks
• Establish and maintain excellent working relationships with critical collaborative partners throughout the company.
• Manage and maintain equipment, reagents and dedicated laboratory environment needed to carry out assignments; Troubleshoot and solve equipment/technical problems.
• Execute daily laboratory operations with an approach designed to minimize risks and hazard waste streams.
• Maintain all appropriate corporate standards for lab safety and hazardous material management.
• Other duties as assigned.

Essential Physical Characteristics:

Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.

On-Site Protocol:

Physical presence at the ADARx Pharmaceuticals worksite is a necessary job function of this role, which the Company deems critical to collaboration, innovation, productivity, employee well-being and engagement, and it enhances the Company culture.

Qualifications:

• BA/BS in Biological sciences and have minimum of 8 years of experience in research, 3 years in industry, or MA/MS plus minimum of 5 years of experience in research, including 3 years in industry.
• Have hands-on experience designing, executing, troubleshooting, and interpreting in vivo studies that support drug discovery and therapeutic development programs.
• Have a solid understanding of IACUC regulations, animal welfare standards, and best practices for conducting in vivo research.
• Experience managing and maintaining mouse colonies, including animal tracking, breeding coordination, and study management. 
• Can independently design, perform, analyze, and troubleshoot bioanalytical assays such as qPCR, ELISA, Western blotting, and related molecular biology techniques. 
• Proficient in a variety of dosing and drug administration techniques in mice and rats. 
• Experience collecting blood and tissue samples from rodents and processing samples for downstream RNA and protein analyses. 

Required Key Attributes:

• Must be able to work independently as well in cross-functional team settings with supervision as needed.
• Adaptable / Flexible - willing and able to adjust to multiple demands and shifting priorities as well as an ability to meet day-to-day challenges with confidence and professionalism.
• Self-motivated with excellent interpersonal, organizational, documentation and communication skills with the ability to take a hands-on approach to work effectively in a dynamic and collaborative, fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive attitude towards exploring new approaches.
• Understanding of project timelines and deliverables and plans/coordinate project work accordingly with departmental, functional, and external stakeholders.

Compensation:

• This is a full-time position, Monday-Friday.
• Pay is commensurate with experience.
• Equity-based compensation
• Performance-based bonuses
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Discounts 
• Gym Membership
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick, Jury Duty, Bereavement

Work Authorization:

• United States (Required)
• Background Check
• As a condition of employment, you must successfully complete all post-offer, pre-employment requirements, including but not limited to a background check.

ADARx Pharmaceuticals is an EEO employer committed to an exciting, diverse, and enriching work environment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

Company Overview:

ADARx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., (the “Company” or “ADARx”) located in San Diego, is a clinical stage biotechnology company dedicated to transforming cutting-edge science into next-generation RNA therapeutics to treat a broad spectrum of diseases. Our goal is to control the expression of specific disease drivers with highly selective RNA targeted therapies, delivering life-changing treatments for patients with urgent unmet medical needs.

Disclosure Statement:

• The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position.
• Data: Any data processed in connection with role applications will be treated in accordance with applicable data privacy policies and regulations.
• Recruiters & Staff Agencies: ADARx Pharmaceuticals (ADARx) does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to ADARx or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by the Company’s internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of ADARx and the Company will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.
• Compensation: The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual target bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, type and length of experience within the industry, and other job-related factors permitted by law.
• Total Compensation: Includes base salary; benefits: medical, vision, and dental insurance; life insurance; 401(k) matching program; paid time off; paid holidays; Employee Assistance Program; and other employee benefits. This role may also be eligible for short-term or long-term incentive compensation, including but not limited to cash bonuses.
• Conditional Offer of Employment: Following a conditional offer of employment, satisfactory completion of a background check (including criminal records check) is required prior to beginning employment. Any offer of employment may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current NAI employee who was conditionally offered the position.