Research Associate I​/II, In Vivo Immunology

Job Title: Research Associate I/II

Department: In Vivo Immunology

Reports to: Scientist II

Location: Onsite 5 days per week in Alameda/Berkeley, CA

Employment Type: Full-time

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.

Our goal is simple: develop next‑generation delivery technologies to bring genetic engineering and cell therapies to more patients.

Azalea is building ambitious science in a fast-moving environment. The people who thrive here are accountable, adaptable, rigorous, humble, and direct. Across roles and functions, we look for team members who demonstrate the following:

• Outcome Ownership
  - We own results, close loops, and follow through without needing to be prompted. We take responsibility for moving work forward and making sure important decisions, deliverables, and handoffs do not fall through the cracks.
• Comfort with Ambiguity
  - We operate in an early-stage environment where information may be incomplete and priorities may evolve. We clarify quickly, make thoughtful decisions with the information available, and adapt without unnecessary drama.
• High Standards, Low Ego
  - We care deeply about the quality of the work and the impact it can have for patients. We raise the bar while staying humble, direct, and open to feedback.
• Collaboration and Candor
  - We share context early, communicate clearly, partner across functions, and operate with transparency. We believe strong collaboration requires both trust and direct communication.

Azalea Therapeutics is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate I/II – In Vivo Immunology to join our dynamic and growing team. Reporting to a Scientist II, the Research Associate I/II will work within a Research & Development team to develop robust animal models of disease, test novel therapeutics in vivo, and gather and analyze multi-dimensional data readouts. The Research Associate I/II will have a unique opportunity to impact both the science and environment of an early‑stage biotechnology company.

As part of an innovative, intellectually stimulating, and fast‑paced team, the Research Associate I/II will help pursue Azalea’s goal of developing the next generation of cell and genome engineering therapies.

The Research Associate I/II will have opportunities for rapid scientific and professional growth, working within a collaborative team setting and developing scientific independence. Opportunities to communicate scientific findings include company meetings, conference presentations, and/or journal publications. This is an onsite role with expectations to be onsite in our Berkeley and/or Alameda locations 5 days per week.

• Perform and support in vivo pharmacology studies in rodent models, including dosing (IV, IP, SC, PO) and tissue collection.
• Collect and process biological samples (blood, spleen, liver, and other organs) for downstream analysis.
• Assist in the development and optimization of in vivo disease models.
• Maintain and propagate ex vivo cell lines for in vivo studies.
• Manage the inventory of…