Drug Discovery Research Associate

ABOUT THE COMPANY:

At QurAlis, we are neuro pioneers on a quest to cure. We work with a relentless pursuit of knowledge, a precise attention to craft, and an optimistic mindset to discover and develop effective precision medicines that will alter the trajectory of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and other neurodegenerative diseases. Founded by an internationally recognized team of neurodegenerative biologists from Harvard Medical School and Harvard University, QurAlis is a clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing a pipeline with therapeutic candidates that target specific components of ALS and FTD pathology and defined patient populations based on both disease-causing genetic mutation(s) and clinical biomarkers.

Summary of Position:

QurAlis is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to support and execute its cutting-edge discovery and screening efforts. The Research Associate will work closely with the QurAlis scientific and management teams to perform studies in a high quality and scientifically rigorous fashion.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

• Hands on capabilities working with cell culture, preferably mammalian cell culture

• Independently conducts multiple complex experiments within a project scope, exercising judgement to evaluate a variety of technical factors, and obtain optimum solutions

• Perform routine cellular and molecular biology procedures including immunocytochemistry and microscopy

• Develop phenotypic readouts using cell reporter reagents

• Determine RNA and protein levels following gene or protein manipulations

• Order and prepare media, nutrients, buffers, and reagents for cell culture

• Maintain reagent and general lab supply inventory

• Assist in maintenance of the cell culture facility/equipment, and the generation and implementation of standard operating procedures

• Independently plan and execute experiments with direction from senior scientific staff and accurately analyze, summarize, and present data

• Organize an effective working schedule and prioritize tasks appropriately

• Ability to improve and develop new protocols/new assays to address key questions

• Contribute to maintaining a clean, safe, and orderly work environment

• Work with cross functional drug development group to bring research stage molecules to clinical development.

• Prepare, present and review scientific presentations for internal/external use

• Be an empowered and supportive team member who collaborates effectively across different work groups

• Must have scheduling flexibility to enable weekend and holiday work rotations

• Training for specific techniques will be provided

Minimum Qualifications Required:

• A Bachelor’s degree in cell biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, or a related field

• 2+ years relevant laboratory experience in academic and/or industry (biotech or pharma) settings including mammalian cell culture. Stem cell experience is strongly preferred but not required.

• The successful candidate will demonstrate strong conceptual ability; the capacity to work well independently on design and implementation of experiments, and the ability to interact and collaborate successfully in cross-functional teams

• Strong organizational skills, work ethic, and high-level motivation

• Capacity to be highly productive in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment

• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills

• Authorized to work legally in the United States

Additional Qualifications Desired:

• Hands-on experience culturing induced pluripotent stem cells or neurons

• Experience with immunocytochemistry and western blot techniques

• Experience with microscopy