Character Biosciences is a precision medicine company pioneering targeted therapies for polygenic diseases, with an initial focus on ophthalmology. At the core of Character Bio’s approach is a set of company-sponsored observational studies that integrate patients’ genetics with their longitudinal clinical and imaging data. Character’s interdisciplinary team, spanning clinical science, data science, statistical genetics, machine learning and drug discovery, leverages the company’s platform to uncover genetic drivers of disease progression, advance novel therapeutics, and define patient stratification strategies to enhance clinical success. The company is currently advancing two programs into the clinic for Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), with additional programs in earlier stages of discovery research.

We are seeking a talented Research Associate/Senior Research Associate to join our therapeutic programs in Ophthalmology. In this role, you will support drug discovery teams by developing and performing in vitro assays to assess target biology, mechanism of action of drug candidates and identification of leads. This position offers an opportunity to join a growing, dynamic startup and contribute to the discovery and development of novel therapeutics for aging related disorders, and also grow your career in Drug Discovery and Biotech. Candidates with diverse scientific backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We are looking for someone who thrives on teamwork, loves to learn new things, and of course has a deep love for science!

Responsibilities:

• Design and execute in vitro experiments to assess the biological functions of candidate drug targets including, but not limited to cell-based functional assays, modulation of gene expression, qPCR, flow cytometry, ELISA, SDS/PAGE, and high content imaging
• Engineer and maintain mammalian cell lines
• Independently plan and execute experiments, paying close attention to details to enable informed decisions
• Innovatively troubleshoot, effectively resolving challenges as they arise
• Regularly present at team meetings to audiences of diverse scientific backgrounds
  
  

Key qualifications:

• BS with 2+ years (or MS with 1+ years) of research experience in drug discovery, physiology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related discipline
• Must be nimble and able to work with changing priorities
• Must be able to work independently and collaboratively
• Must have excellent troubleshooting and organizational skills, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced startup environment
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, RT-qPCR, and cell-based imaging is preferred
• Additional experience in working with in vitro models of retinal and epithelial health preferred
  
  

Benefits include a competitive salary, strong equity incentives, medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and a flexible paid time off policy. Character is committed to recruiting, developing, and supporting colleagues from all backgrounds. We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion as an integral part of our culture. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. We are an E-Verify company.