Research Associate I​/II; Cell- Assay Development

Job Title: Research Associate I/II (Cell-Based Assay Development)

Department: Research & Development
Reports to: Principal Scientist I, Analytical Development
Location: Onsite 5 days a week - HQ
- Berkeley, CA
Employment Type: Full-time
FLSA Status: Exempt
Bonus/Equity: Eligible

About Azalea

Azalea Therapeutics enabling precision genome engineering directly inside the body, with an initial focus on creating cancer immunotherapiesin 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.

Why this matters:

• 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.

How We Work

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.

The Opportunity

Azalea Therapeutics is seeking a Research Associate I/II to join its Research & Development team. This hands‑on laboratory role will support the advancement of AZA-2509 and Azalea’s next‑generation delivery platform by developing, optimizing, and executing robust cell‑based assays, generating high‑quality data, and maintaining rigorous laboratory records. The successful candidate will work closely with scientists and colleagues across research, process development, analytical development, and preclinical functions to evaluate EDV delivery, genome editing, T-cell engineering, and candidate performance.

The position will be filled at the Research Associate I or Research Associate II level based on the candidate’s experience, technical depth, and demonstrated independence.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute and support development of cell‑based assays evaluating EDV delivery, genome editing, T-cell engineering, cellular activity, and candidate performance.
• Culture, expand, and maintain mammalian cell lines and primary immune cells using aseptic technique; monitor cell…