Research Associate II, Technical Operations

A-Alpha Bio is an early-stage, rapidly growing biotechnology platform company headquartered in Seattle, WA. We are focused on building the foundational data layer for AI-driven protein engineering. We provide biopharma companies and model builders with access to ground truth experimental datasets, including affinity and structure, for training, benchmarking and validating AI protein models. In parallel, we apply our data and models directly with select partners to engineer next-generation dual-specific and molecular glue therapeutics, and to discover and optimize differentiated biologics.

This role is not open to remote applicants and would require relocation to Seattle, WA.

Starting Salary Range: $75,000 - $88,000 annually

Exemption Status: Exempt

Location Expectations: Onsite

Reporting To: Manager II, Technical Operations

Role Description

A-Alpha Bio is seeking a Research Associate II to support our Technical Operations team’s execution of our AlphaSeq assay. In this role, you’ll execute DNA and yeast library construction, matings, next-generation sequencing, cell sorting, and flow cytometry to support interrogation of protein-protein interactions. Ideal candidates will have strong organizational skills, impeccable attention to detail, and an interest in executing screening assays at scale.  

Key Responsibilities

• Execute DNA library construction.
• Perform yeast transformation and matings, cell sorting, and flow cytometry.
• Execute DNA library preparation and sequencing workflows for Oxford Nanopore Technologies and Illumina platforms.
• Support the development and optimization of standard operating procedures for existing and new experimental workflows.
• Develop a foundational understanding of and executional expertise in Technical Operations methods.
• May contribute to project teams, execute project-related tasks, and/or train new Research Associates. 

Qualifications & Experience

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with 2+ years of relevant postbaccalaureate laboratory experience in the biotechnology industry; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficiency in standard molecular biology techniques, including DNA extractions, quantitative PCR, Gibson assembly, and fragment analysis.
• Experience with multi-parametric flow cytometry.
• Experience in a high-throughput screening or manufacturing environment.
• Experience working within a LIMS/ELN.
• Strong work ethic, good organizational skills, team orientation, and exquisite attention to detail.
• Flexibility in day-to-day schedule and willingness to work outside of standard hours when necessary, including weekends. 

Preferred

• Operator experience in a regulated environment (CLIA, cGXP, etc.).
• Hands-on experience with Illumina or ONT NGS platforms.
• Experience with cell sorting.
• Experience using yeast as a model organism.
• Experience with Benchling as a platform.
• Experience using lab automation. 

In 2018, A-Alpha Bio spun out of the University of Washington’s Institute for Protein Design and Center for Synthetic Biology – both communities filled with brilliant and highly entrepreneurial scientists. Since the company’s inception, we have built and scaled AlphaSeq, our high-throughput platform for quantitatively measuring protein-protein interactions at unprecedented scale. What began as a technology for generating large, standardized affinity datasets has grown into a broader data engine for AI-driven protein engineering. New members of the team should expect a fast-paced, highly dynamic, and interdisciplinary work environment. We are building a diverse, meritocratic, and supportive team that shares our values of speaking the truth, shooting for the moon, taking the reins, playing for the team, and improving the world.

A-Alpha Bio is headquartered in a custom designed lab and office space in downtown Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood. We are fortunate to be situated in a region that is renowned for its premier outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, climbing, skiing, kayaking, sailing, and more. At A-Alpha, you’ll find many who love the outdoors, but also gamers, amateur chefs, explorers, sports fans, bakers, crafters, photographers, brewers, jetsetters, animal lovers, and artists. Whatever your passions, you belong at A-Alpha Bio!