Research Associate I​/II, Viral Vector Production

Job Title

Job Title: Research Associate I/II, Viral Vector Production

Reports to: Process Development Scientist

Location: Berkeley, California

Employment Type: Full Time, onsite 5 days/week

FLSA Status: Exempt

Bonus/Equity: Eligible

Azalea Therapeutics is enabling precision genome engineering directly inside the body, with an initial focus on creating cancer immunotherapies in vivo . Azalea is pioneering a new way to turn a person’s own T cells into a powerful cancer therapy — directly inside the body. Instead of removing cells and manipulating them in a lab, we use precision genome editing tools to engineer T cells where they already live.

At the center of our approach are Enveloped Delivery Vehicles, or EDVs. As highly selective couriers, EDVs are designed to specifically locate T cells within the patient and deliver our genome engineering cargo. Once inside the cell, the anti‑cancer agent is inserted into a precise site in the genome, ensuring safe and potent modifications to fortify the T cells against cancers.

• We aim to make cell therapy faster and more accessible by avoiding complex manufacturing outside the body.
• Our platform is designed for precision, so the right cells are safely programmed to effectively fight cancer.
• This technology has the potential to treat a wide range of cancers with a streamlined, scalable process.

We are seeking a highly motivated and technically proficient Research Associate I/II to join our dynamic and growing team. Reporting to the Process Development Scientist, this role will be central to Azalea’s viral vector production pipeline, directly impacting the delivery of our next‑generation cell and genome therapies. As part of an innovative, intellectually stimulating, and fast‑paced team, the Research Associate I/II will execute the routine production and purification workflows that power our R&D engine.

The Research Associate I/II will have opportunities for rapid scientific and professional growth, including the opportunity to specialize in advanced bioprocessing techniques and communicate findings within a collaborative team environment. The Research Associate I/II position requires on‑site work 5 days/week at our world‑class laboratory in Berkeley, CA.

• Execute routine production of viral vectors (e.g., AAV, Lentivirus) to support platform development and therapeutic pipeline needs.
• Perform downstream purification processes, specifically utilizing ultracentrifugation for vector concentration and polishing.
• Maintain mammalian cell lines and manage scale‑up for production runs.
• Analyze production yields and quality data, communicating results clearly within team meetings.
• Maintain detailed and organized records of production runs and experimental results.
• Additional duties and responsibilities as required based on the needs of the company.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS/BA and/or MS/MA in bioengineering, molecular biology, cell biology, or a related discipline with at least 1 year of laboratory research experience in an academic or industry setting.
• Familiarity with ultracentrifugation techniques for the purification of biological particles.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture (aseptic technique, cell counting, and maintenance).
• Strong communication, problem‑solving, organization, and work ethic.
• Familiarity with electronic laboratory notebooks (such as Benchling).
• Ability to work both collaboratively and individually in a fast‑paced, production‑oriented environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience with standard unit operations (STR, UFDF, Chrom) for cell viral vector productions.
• Experience with vector inventory management, 5S, or other lab‑based logistics.
• Familiarity with vector characterization assays (e.g., qPCR/ddPCR for titration, ELISA or Western blot).

• Develop hands‑on proficiency with Azalea’s viral vector production workflows, including mammalian cell culture, transfection, and downstream purification using ultracentrifugation.
• Independently execute routine production runs with strong…