Research Assistant/Senior Research Assistant - Display and Selection Technologies

As a Research Associate of Display and Selection Technologies, you will focus on contributing to discovery campaigns for novel therapeutic targets that emerge from the Arena BioWorks target identification initiatives. You will work collaboratively with a supervising scientist to identify, develop, implement, and optimize display selections or screens for novel protein targets. The ideal candidate is expected to independently manage and prioritize experiments, exhibit a high degree of technical competency, smoothly collaborate with other Arena BioWorks research teams, support internal discovery projects, and communicate their progress in a highly multidisciplinary environment.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Assist in the development and application of antibody discovery selection campaigns, including the design and execution of display-based screens and selections against novel targets representing new axes of disease biology.
• Support the development and optimization of new phage and yeast display protocols.
• Independently carry out experiments while engaging with supervisor and the Protein Therapeutics team to facilitate discovery initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with selection scientists, protein scientists, biochemists, and biologists to facilitate downstream characterization efforts and enable optimization of discovery outputs.
• Support assay development where necessary to enable therapeutic development efforts.
• Generate data in a timely manner, and effectively communicate at project meetings.
• Support lab operations, material management, and key infrastructure as required.
• Assume additional responsibilities as assigned and needed.

Qualifications:

• B.S. in Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, or related field, with at least 2 years with laboratory experience in an academic or industry setting, or a Masters’ degree with a minimum of 1 years of laboratory experience.
• Demonstrated experience in phage display, yeast display, or similar library/barcode-based technologies, including library creation, selection, and analysis. Experience in auxiliary techniques (FACS-based selection, NGS, and lab automation) is a plus.
• Excellent computer skills are important, with experience in programming/scripting languages (Python/R) a strong plus.
• A passion for learning is strongly desired, and the right candidate is highly adaptable, a strong problem solver, with the ability to think critically and work collaboratively.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills.
• Highly organized, with excellent attention to detail, and proficiency in documentation and presentation of data.
• Ability to proactively identify team needs, prioritize tasks, set deadlines, and adapt to shifting priorities in response to a dynamic environment.
• Possesses an eager, collaborative approach to each day; must be a self-starter and persistent in achieving objectives to support our scientific and business goals.