Principal Research Associate

Key Responsibilities

• Design, optimise and execute robust cell-based assays, to support compound screens and lead optimisation.
• Culture, maintain and transfect a variety of mammalian cell lines, such as immortalized cell lines, primary cells and co-culture systems, and onboard new cell types and systems to enable drug discovery.
• Examine important molecular and functional endpoints in vitro, including RNA and protein readouts, to better understand our molecules in our internal therapeutic pipeline.
• Perform standard molecular biology techniques (e.g. PCR, qPCR, Jess/Leo Automated Westerns, ELISA, Western blot, etc.).
• Collaborate with a cross-functional team in a dynamic, matrixed environment to achieve shared company deadlines, and communicate experimental design and findings with colleagues and project teams.
• Clearly document experiments, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and data in an electronic lab notebook (ELN).

Basic Qualifications

• BS or MS in Biology, Molecular Biology, Genomics, Biochemistry or a related field with 4+ years of relevant pharmaceutical or biotechnology experience.
• Strong hands-on experience growing, maintaining and transfecting mammalian cell lines.
• Good understanding of molecular and cell biology.
• Experienced in design and execution of molecular and cellular assays, including documentation in an electronic lab notebook (ELN). 
• Excellent communication, organizational skills and a willingness to learn.
• Ability to prioritise and drive work independently in a fast-paced, technical and data-rich environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience using primary hepatocytes is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in automated Western blotting methods, such as the Jess/Leo platforms.
• Flow cytometric experience is a plus.
• Experience with high-throughput liquid handlers (e.g. Beckman Echo, Agilent Bravo and/or Hamilton STAR/STAR V).
• Next-generation sequencing library preparation, e.g. amplicon sequencing.
• Past experience with RNA editing and/or RNA oligonucleotides.
• Demonstrated experience working in cross-functional teams.

What We Offer

A collaborative and innovative environment at the frontier of computational biology, machine learning, and drug discovery. 
Highly competitive compensation, including meaningful stock ownership.
Comprehensive benefits - including health, vision, and dental coverage for employees and families, employee and family assistance program. 
Flexible work environment - including flexible hours, extended long weekends, holiday shutdown, unlimited personal days.
Maternity and parental leave top-up coverage, as well as new parent paid time off. 
Focus on learning and growth for all employees - learning and development budget & lunch and learns.
Facilities located in the heart of Toronto - the epicenter of machine learning and AI research and development, and in Kendall Square, Cambridge, Mass. - a global center of biotechnology and life sciences.