Senior Research Associate Translational In Vitro Biology

6‑month contract role, with the potential for conversion to a full‑time position based on performance and business needs

Help invent the future of lipid metabolism‑based therapies for cancer and beyond

Lime Therapeutics is a venture‑backed biotech startup pioneering therapies that target lipid‑metabolic pathways in cancer, metabolic, and neurodegenerative diseases. Our proprietary Lipid Sense™ platform enables the discovery of first‑in‑class targets, including our lead programs addressing tumor‑selective lipid dysregulation. We are advancing novel small molecules toward IND‑enabling studies, with a clear path to Series A financing and clinical development.

We are seeking a Senior Research Associate to serve as a technical anchor for our biology team as we validate oncology targets and advance discoveries into therapeutic programs. This is not a passive execution role: you will be expected to operate with a high‑agency mindset, independently troubleshooting assays, optimizing workflows, and taking ownership of the experimental plan to generate the robust data needed to drive our programs forward.

Additionally, you will work closely with the founding team to execute Lime’s scientific direction. This role is ideal for a contributor who plays a critical role in establishing and executing in vitro experiments across all our programs.

• Execute Excellent Biology:
  Design and conduct complex cell‑based assays to support mechanistic studies, target validation, and small molecule characterization.
• Manage Cell Systems:
  Serve as the primary expert for mammalian cell culture, including maintaining difficult cancer cell lines and generating engineered lines (CRISPR KO/activation, inducible expression systems).
• Advance Molecular Workflows:
  Perform molecular biology techniques, including cloning, Western blotting, and qRT‑PCR, with minimal supervision.
• Spearhead Data Integrity & Analysis:
  Analyze complex datasets using Graph Pad Prism, troubleshoot experimental variances, and maintain organized records in an electronic lab notebook (ELN).
• Foster Operational Excellence:
  Assist in the maintenance of laboratory equipment and inventory to ensure the lab functions with urgency and efficiency.
• Function With Urgency:
  Operate in a high‑intensity startup culture where work may extend beyond standard hours to evenings and weekends, and where responsive communication is essential.

• BS with 5+ years or MS/PhD with 3+ years of relevant industry experience in a biotech or pharmaceutical setting.
• Demonstrated track record of excellent biology, by having generated high‑quality, reproducible data with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, troubleshoot technical issues, and optimize experimental protocols without constant oversight.
• High‑agency mindset, adaptable to evolving priorities and high‑accountability environments.

• Cell Culture Expertise:
  Deep experience with aseptic techniques, cell line maintenance, lentiviral transduction, and proliferation/viability assays is essential.
• Molecular Biology Expertise:
  Proficiency in DNA/RNA isolation, cloning, PCR/qPCR, and protein analysis (Western blot, ELISA).
• Data Analysis Proficiency:
  Strong skills in Graph Pad Prism, Excel, and image analysis software.
• Proactive Problem Solving:
  History of identifying experimental bottlenecks and proposing technical solutions.
• Biochemistry
  
  Experience:
  
  Experience with enzymatic assays or protein purification is a plus.
• In Vivo
  
  Experience:
  
  Experience with mouse handling, dosing, or tissue processing is a plus, though not required.

• Real Impact:
  Your work will shape first‑in‑class therapeutics for patients with high unmet need.
• Founder Access:
  Work directly with company leadership and world‑class advisors.
• Growth Path:
  Opportunity to build and eventually lead scientific teams as Lime expands.
• Mission‑Driven Culture:
  High ownership, strategic focus, and fast execution.

The pay range for this fully in‑person, hourly contractor role is $45-60/hr commensurate with skills and experience. Lime is headquartered at the Ford Center Incubator, a vibrant home for early‑stage life science companies, located at The Rockefeller University campus in New York City’s Upper East Side.

We are actively interviewing and looking to engage someone in this role as soon as possible. To apply,  .

Lime Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer.