What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Research Associate, Biology position at Dovetail Therapeutics?
Company and Role Description
Dovetail Therapeutics is a Seattle-based biopharmaceutical company founded in 2023 by the leading healthcare venture capital firm, OrbiMed. Dovetail is dedicated to discovering and developing novel biotherapeutics that meaningfully improve the lives of patients. The company has established a proprietary discovery platform and a growing pipeline, with its lead program entering the clinic.
Dovetail is seeking a motivated Senior Research Associate to join our Biology team. This role is ideal for an early-career scientist with strong technical skills and a passion for hands-on laboratory research. The successful candidate will contribute directly to antibody-based drug discovery programs and work closely with cross-functional teams in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Perform hands-on laboratory experiments in support of antibody-based discovery and preclinical research programs.
- Execute cell- and protein-based functional assays with readouts including proliferation/viability, using ELISA, MSD, qRT-PCR, and related methodologies.
- Perform routine maintenance, expansion, and banking of established cell lines and primary human cells.
- Process human whole blood samples to isolate PBMCs, including density gradient centrifugation, cell counting, cryopreservation, thawing, and quality assessment.
- Conduct flow cytometry-based experiments, including sample preparation, multicolor staining, data acquisition, and basic quantitative analysis.
- Assist with assay development, screening workflows, and evaluation of experimental results.
- Analyze data, maintain clear and accurate experimental records, and present results at team meetings.
- Collaborate with team members across biology and related functions to support project goals.
- Follow established protocols while contributing suggestions for troubleshooting and optimization.
- Support preparation of data summaries for internal reports and project reviews, including detailed ELN writing, review, and maintenance.
- Maintain laboratory organization, reagent tracking, and compliance with safety and quality standards.
Qualifications and Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in cell biology, molecular biology, immunology, pharmacology, or a related field, with 2–4 years of relevant industry experience
- Hands-on experience performing cell-based assays, including work with established cell lines and/or primary human cells
- Experience with common molecular and immunology-focused techniques such as functional assays, ELISA, MSD, qRT-PCR, or related methods
- Exposure to antibody-based discovery or preclinical research programs
- Experience supporting assay development, optimization, or screening workflows
- Familiarity with PBMC processing and downstream functional assays including flow cytometry and/or immunology-driven assays is a plus
- Ability to execute experiments with guidance and troubleshooting routine technical issues.
- Strong attention to detail, organization, and experimental rigor, with the ability to manage multiple experiments in parallel.
- Experience working in a biotech or pharmaceutical research environment, ideally in a fast-paced or early-stage setting
- Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to summarize data and discuss results within a team
- Enthusiastic, collaborative, and eager to learn in a fast-paced research environment
Benefits
Dovetail Therapeutics fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, where each team member plays an important role in our success. We offer a competitive total compensation and benefits package, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Paid parking or public transit benefits
- 401(k) plan
- Paid time off
Dovetail Therapeutics is located at 1616 Eastlake Avenue East, in Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood.