Senior Research Associate

Escalante is dedicated to enabling the next generation of biological insights. Our platform unlocks scalable, functional, single-molecule proteomics by combining cutting-edge molecular biology, protein biochemistry, and artificial intelligence. We want to build AI models that predict how cells respond to therapeutic perturbations. These models would transform biology and drug discovery, but require fundamentally new measurement technologies and datasets. To build these we rely on our people, our ambition, and our willingness to challenge the way science is done.

As a senior research associate at Escalante you will work closely with an interdisciplinary group of scientists and engineers to develop the next generation of scalable single-molecule proteomics. This role is a wet-lab based position where you will work with our biology team to help develop high-throughput proteomics assays. Through this work you will directly contribute to our core platform and help guide Escalante’s trajectory.

This is a full-time, on-site role in San Francisco, California.

• Execute protein purification using established protocols, with opportunities to refine and improve methods.
• Execute and troubleshoot standard molecular biology and cloning protocols (Golden Gate assembly, site-directed mutagenesis, etc).
• Characterize purified proteins using SDS-PAGE, Bradford assays, mass spec and other relevant techniques.
• Contribute to library generation and display-based assays connecting genotype to protein readout.
• Assist scientists in optimizing workflows and troubleshooting routine issues.

• Master’s degree in biochemistry or related field, with approximately 5 years of industry experience.
• Hands‑on experience in protein expression and purification across multiple expression systems (e.g. bacterial, mammalian, cell‑free/in‑vitro).
• Outstanding ability to record and communicate scientific work.

• Experience with display technologies (cDNA, mRNA, phage, or ribosome display).
• Experience with pooled library experiments and NGS workflows.
• Intermediate familiarity with Python programming.

competitive salary + equity + benefits

Generous paid time off, 100% health coverage, employee stock option plan, paid parental leave, office snacks and beverages

Escalante is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, disability, or veteran status. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.