Our mission at Asimov is to advance humanity's ability to design living systems, enabling biotechnologies with outsized benefit to society. We've built a mammalian synthetic biology platform – from cells to software – to enable the design and manufacture of next-generation therapeutics.
We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Associate or Associate Scientist (Contractor) to join our Analytical Development team for a 6-month contract. In this role, you will run our developability and biophysical screening panel and support routine product-quality (PQ) analytical delivery for our Cell Line Development (CLD) pipeline. You will work hands-on across plate-based and chromatographic assays to characterize antibodies, multispecifics, and other engineered protein formats, generating the data that guides candidate and clone selection. You will be trained and supported by the method owner for each assay, and will grow into independent ownership of routine execution. The ideal candidate is meticulous, enjoys high-throughput laboratory work, and communicates results clearly.
About the Role:
Execute the developability and biophysical screening panel at plate scale, including hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC), self-association by AC-SINS, thermal stability by differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF), ELISA-based non-specific binding, and size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), delivering ranked, decision-ready data on candidate molecules.
Execute routine PQ analytical delivery for CLD programs, including sample preparation, small-scale Protein A purification, and HPLC/UPLC- and capillary electrophoresis-based assays, meeting delivery timelines and data-quality benchmarks.
Manage high-throughput processing of CLD and screening samples in 96-well format, including system suitability checks, reference standard handling, and use of automated liquid handling where available.
Partner with method owners to complete installation and qualification of new assays, then take ownership of their routine execution, troubleshooting, and performance trending.
Partner with cross-functional teams to communicate analytical results and insights clearly. Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of results and proactive communication with stakeholders.
Drive continuous process and technical improvements, including SOPs and technical reports, while maintaining accurate laboratory notebooks and electronic records, adhering to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and safety protocols.
This role is a full-time, 6-month contract with the potential for extension or conversion to a permanent position based on business needs and performance.
About You:
You have a B.S. degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or a closely related field with 3+ years of relevant laboratory experience, or an M.S. degree with 1-2 years of relevant experience. Biopharma industry experience is preferred.
You possess hands-on expertise with plate-based assays and microplate readers (e.g., ELISA) and with HPLC/UPLC separations (e.g., SEC, HIC), along with careful small-scale sample preparation for protein analytics. Experience with capillary electrophoresis (CE), UV, and/or MS is a plus.
You are comfortable working in 96-well format at high throughput, with a preference for experience in automated liquid handling (e.g., Hamilton) and high-throughput purification.
You bring exposure to biophysical or developability characterization (thermal stability by DSF, self-association by AC-SINS, hydrophobicity by HIC, non-specific binding) or to label-free binding assays (e.g., Octet BLI). This is a strong plus rather than a requirement; we will train the right candidate.
You have a proven aptitude for troubleshooting analytical instruments and methods with a proactive, solution-oriented approach.
You are proficient in data interpretation and the use of statistical tools for trending, supported by strong communication skills to present complex data clearly to diverse audiences.
You demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment with meticulous attention to detail and superior organizational skills.
We’re fueled by a vision to transform biological engineering into a fully-fledged engineering discipline. Should you join our team, you will grow with a constantly evolving organization and push the frontiers of synthetic biology. Company culture is key to Asimov, and we believe that our mission can only be achieved by bringing together a diverse team with a mixture of backgrounds and perspectives.
Skills Required
- B.S. degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or a closely related field, plus 3 or more years of relevant laboratory experience
- M.S. degree in a relevant field, plus 1 to 2 years of relevant laboratory experience
- Hands-on experience with plate-based assays and microplate readers, such as ELISA
- Experience with HPLC or UPLC separations, including SEC or HIC
- Careful small-scale sample preparation for protein analytics
- Ability to work in 96-well format at high throughput
- Aptitude for troubleshooting analytical instruments and methods
- Data interpretation and use of statistical tools for trending
- Strong communication, organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in a fast-paced team environment
- Biopharma industry experience
- Experience with automated liquid handling, such as Hamilton systems, and high-throughput purification
- Exposure to DSF, AC-SINS, HIC, non-specific binding, or label-free binding assays such as Octet BLI
- Experience with capillary electrophoresis, UV, or mass spectrometry
Asimov Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Asimov and has not been reviewed or approved by Asimov.
-
Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental, and vision coverage is positioned as comprehensive, with additional protection benefits like life and disability insurance and access to an FSA. Medical coverage is also described as fully covered in at least one case, reinforcing perceived strength in baseline health benefits.
-
Retirement Support — A 401(k) plan with a company match is included as a core benefit and is repeatedly listed as part of the standard package. This adds a stable long-term savings component alongside other elements of total compensation.
-
Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid holidays and sick time are complemented by an unlimited vacation policy and flexible scheduling. This combination suggests broad time-off coverage, while day-to-day usability can vary with workload and team norms.
Asimov Insights
What We Do
Asimov builds tools to program living cells. By integrating mammalian synthetic biology, computer-aided design, and machine learning, our multi-disciplinary team is advancing the design and manufacture of biologics and gene therapies.
Gallery
