Senior Research Associate, Platform​/R&D

Senior Research Associate – Platform/R&D

Azalea Therapeutics is seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Associate – Platform/R&D to join our dynamic and growing team. Reporting to a Scientist II, the Senior Research Associate will support a range of molecular biology and analytical workflows, with an emphasis on PCR-based assays, ddPCR, routine cloning, NGS-adjacent analysis, and cell-based assays. The Senior Research Associate will contribute to research-grade analytics, enable faster sample turnaround, and build redundancy across important lab capabilities.

The ideal candidate is a highly organized and technically strong molecular biologist who enjoys owning experiments from execution through data analysis. This Senior Research Associate should be comfortable working independently, proactively troubleshooting technical challenges, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality data. The successful candidate thrives in a fast-paced startup environment, demonstrates a strong sense of ownership, and is excited to support a broad range of research, development, and analytical activities.

This is an onsite role with expectations to be onsite, in our Berkeley office, 5 days per week.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently execute molecular biology assays, including PCR-based workflows, PCR cleanups, ddPCR, routine cloning, and related sample preparation.
• Run and adapt existing software/pipelines to analyze and plot NGS data.
• Perform routine cloning workflows, including Gibson assembly, Golden Gate assembly, restriction enzyme cloning, and plasmid preparation.
• Perform routine cell culture and lentiviral vector production.
• Process samples derived from cell- and tissue-based workflows.
• Generate, organize, and communicate high-quality assay data to internal R&D teams.
• Work cross-functionally with research and analytics team members to prioritize samples, troubleshoot workflows, and ensure timely data generation.
• Maintain clear experimental records, follow established SOPs, and contribute to continuous improvement of lab processes.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a related life sciences discipline.
• 3+ years of hands-on laboratory research experience in academia or industry with demonstrated expertise in molecular biology techniques.
• Strong experience independently executing PCR-based workflows, including PCR, PCR cleanup, qPCR/ddPCR, nucleic acid quantification and sample preparation.
• Experience performing routine molecular cloning, including Gibson Assembly, Golden Gate Assembly, restriction enzyme cloning, plasmid construction, transformation, and midi/maxi plasmid preparations.
• Experience supporting NGS-related laboratory workflows and analyzing sequencing data using established software tools or analysis pipelines.
• Familiarity with basic bioinformatics tools and scripting environments (e.g. biopython e.g., Biopython, Python, R, or similar) and foundational genomics concepts, including FASTQ and downstream sequencing file formats, sequence alignment, mapping quality, and quality control metrics).
• Hands
  -on experience with mammalian cell culture, cell line maintenance, and processing biological samples derived from cell and tissue based experiments.
• Demonstrated ability to independently plan, prioritize, execute, troubleshoot, and document experiments while managing multiple projects in a fast-paced, collaborative research environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret experimental data, identify technical challenges, and implement effective solutions.
• Excellent organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and experience maintaining accurate laboratory documentation, including electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively present data and collaborate across multidisciplinary research teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using King Fisher or similar automated nucleic acid extraction platforms.
• Experience with vector genome, genomic integrity, or biodistribution assays…