POSITION: Research Associate I/II, Molecular Biology

LOCATION: Culver City, CA

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Reports to Scientist II, Molecular Biology

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Appia Bio is a preclinical stage biotech company founded in 2020 with the mission to bring innovative off-the-shelf cell therapies to cancer patients. Our ACUA platform has been developed to generate CAR-engineered NKT and gd T cells from cord blood derived hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells at scale. The unique attributes of Appia’s cell therapies confer a number of biological advantages to overcome many of the impediments for the successful treatment of diseases with high unmet medical need. Our goal is to discover and develop allogeneic cell therapies for the treatment of a broad array of cancer and autoimmune indications with a scalability that increases access for patients.

Innovation, collaboration, and dedication are at the heart of Appia’s culture. The scientific foundation of Appia Bio is underpinned by groundbreaking research led by Lili Yang (UCLA), David Baltimore (Caltech), and Pin Wang (USC). The management team brings decades of experience in R&D and business in the biotech industry.

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking a creative and driven Research Associate I/II ready to take on the challenge and opportunity presented by the frontiers of creating novel engineered cell therapies. The individual will be part of the Molecular Biology team and support the efforts to generate and deliver critical gene expression plasmids and lentivirus preparations. The individual will primarily be working directly with an Appia Bio Scientist and will be required to work both independently and as a team in a fast-paced environment to support ongoing discovery projects. The Research Associate I/II will join a culture of intellectual rigor and collegiality that has been built at Appia.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Execute molecular biology experiments (e.g., PCR, molecular cloning, DNA isolation, gel electrophoresis).
• Generate lentiviral preps and assess viral titers.
• Execute experiments supporting optimization of the iNKT platform.
• Maintain adherent and/or suspension cells with excellent aseptic techniques.
• Assess team needs and order items through Appia Bio’s Purchasing system.
• Other duties assigned based on experience.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

MS in Biology or related major with 0-4 years of molecular/cell biology laboratory experience OR BS Degree in Biology or related major with 2-6 years of molecular/cell biology laboratory experience 

• The successful candidate would have hands-on experience with molecular biology and/or cell culture techniques.
• Detail-oriented and well-organized, with an ability to handle multiple projects.
• Work efficiently in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with fast-approaching deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills are essential in this collaborative work environment.
• Think critically and demonstrate troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Learn new SOPs, technologies, and adopt changes promptly with minimal guidance.
• Excellent skills in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and/or Prism, FlowJo, Snapgene also preferred.
• Self-motivated, strong sense of responsibility, and willing to accept temporary responsibilities outside of initial job description.

Appia Bio requires COVID-19 vaccination for all employees. As required by applicable law, we will consider reasonable accommodations.