Research Associate I​/II, Viral Vector Production

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.

develop next-generation delivery technologies to bring genetic engineering and cell therapies to more patients.

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…