Research Assistant

Company Description

4J Therapeutics is a Palo Alto–based biopharmaceutical company developing a programmable antiviral platform for serious viral threats. Our approach uses locked nucleic acid antisense oligonucleotides designed to target conserved viral RNA structures, with the goal of enabling antiviral products for treatment, prophylaxis, and pandemic preparedness.

Job Description

We are seeking a Research Assistant to support laboratory research and preclinical studies for our antiviral development programs, including mammalian cell culture, PCR-based assays, sample processing, and in-vivo mouse work.This is a hands-on, in-person role for someone who is detail-oriented, reliable, organized, and comfortable working in a fast-moving biotech startup environment. The person in this role will work closely with scientific staff and external collaborators to execute experiments, maintain high-quality records, and support the advancement of our antiviral platform.Responsibilities Perform mammalian cell culture, including maintenance, passaging, transfections, infections, and assay setupRun PCR, qPCR, RT-qPCR, and related molecular biology assaysSupport in-vivo mouse studies, including study preparation, dosing support, sample collection, animal monitoring, and coordination with study teamsPrepare buffers, reagents, assay materials, and experimental samplesProcess biological samples from in-vitro and in-vivo studiesFollow established protocols and help optimize experimental workflowsMaintain accurate, complete, and organized lab notebooks, data files, and experimental recordsAnalyze, summarize, and communicate experimental results to the teamSupport lab organization, inventory management, equipment maintenance, and general laboratory operationsWork on-site in Palo Alto five days per week

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, virology, microbiology, biochemistry, bioengineering, or a related field2+ years of prior research experience in an academic, biotech, pharma, CRO, or related laboratory settingHands-on experience with mammalian cell cultureHands-on experience with PCR, qPCR, RT-qPCR, or related molecular biology techniquesExperience supporting or conducting in-vivo mouse studiesStrong attention to detail and ability to follow protocols carefullyStrong organizational, documentation, and communication skillsAbility to manage multiple experiments, timelines, and prioritiesAbility to work effectively in person as part of a small, fast-moving teamPreferred Experience working with viruses, antiviral assays, infectious disease models, or virology-related researchExperience with influenza, respiratory viruses, or viral replication assaysExperience with animal study sample collection and processingExperience with nucleic acid therapeutics, oligonucleotides, delivery systems, or RNA biologyExperience with cell-based assays, plaque assays, TCID50, or other virology assaysExperience working in a startup, biotech, pharma, CRO, or regulated research environmentCompensation and Benefits:The expected salary range is $60,000–$70,000, with compensation dependent on experience. Benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, 401(k), paid time off, with potential for equity participation.