Senior Research Associate, Cell Culture

Septerna is a biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, CA on a mission to develop life‑changing medicines for patients with the vision to become the industry‑leading G protein‑coupled receptor (GPCR)–focused drug discovery company. The company’s Native Complex Platform™ recapitulates GPCRs with their native structure, function, and dynamics outside of the cellular context. This approach enables novel access to modern structural and screening technologies used in industrial‑scale drug discovery for the entire class of GPCRs.

Septerna has an emerging pipeline of GPCR‑targeted small molecule programs with potential for growth to target many GPCRs that have been undruggable and unexploited to date.

We are excited to expand our multidisciplinary team of individuals focused on creating revolutionary medicines to address the unmet needs of patients. At Septerna we strive to embrace diversity of thought, expertise, and background through collaboration. To join our ambitious team, be prepared to bring your real self to work every day; grow and learn from a talented team of drug hunters, scientists, and business professionals;

and contribute your passion, creativity, and energy to accomplish our mission. We share a fearless pursuit of ground‑breaking innovations and cultivate an environment where our employees succeed by learning from each other and working as a team.

We are committed to the development of meaningful therapeutics for patients with indications of high unmet need. This is a tremendous opportunity to work with talented individuals on the front lines of therapeutic discovery and development. You will directly help move therapies through preclinical research, positioning them for success in the clinic. The successful candidate will add their passion, unique talents, and expertise to a dynamic team motivated to discover new disease‑modifying therapeutics for patients in a fast‑paced environment.

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We are seeking passionate and creative individuals who want to contribute to Septerna’s mission to utilize innovative drug discovery technologies for GPCR targets. The ideal candidate will have experience in protein purification using a variety of methods including fast‑performance liquid chromatography (FPLC), microscale purification, and magnetic bead‑based purification.

The chosen candidate will be working in a collaborative team contributing to medium and large‑scale protein production and characterization for use in structural biology, biophysics, and small molecule drug discovery. This position offers the unique opportunity to join an innovative well‑funded biotechnology company and to contribute to its long‑term success.

The position is based in South San Francisco, CA. Title and compensation commensurate with experience.

*** 40 hrs/week, one year contract role***

• Perform as a hands‑on protein production associate to help fully enable Septerna’s Native Complex™
• Carry out medium and large‑scale protein production utilizing a variety of techniques including FPLC, gravity flow, microscale, and magnetic bead purification
• Qualify proteins utilizing techniques including SDS‑PAGE, flow cytometry, fluorescent SEC, and DSF.
• Work collaboratively with Discovery Biology teams in ensuring proper prioritization and timelines of cell culture requests.
• Laboratory note booking, data analysis and documentation.

• BS with 4+ years of hands‑on relevant experience in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical setting.
• 2+ years demonstrated expertise in large‑scale protein purification
• Experience with affinity chromatography, ion‑exchange chromatography, size exclusion chromatography, and SDS‑PAGE
• Prior experience with basic protein quality control techniques (SDS‑PAGE, fSEC, DSF) is desirable.
• Ability to write and follow standard operating procedures to ensure high‑quality protein reagent production.
• Strong skills in carrying out multiple simultaneous projects to ensure delivery of reagents with appropriate prioritization and timelines
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively in a team‑oriented environment
• Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills

The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in South San Francisco, CA is $36/hr - 45/hr pay rate. Individual pay may vary based on additional factors, including, and without limitation, job‑related skills, experience, work location and relevant education or training.

We are an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Septerna participates in the E‑Verify program.