Research Associate/Associate Scientist, Discovery Biology (Contract Position)

Company Overview

Light Horse Therapeutics is a San Diego-based small molecule drug discovery company, employing tools from chemical and computational biology, in conjunction with precision genome editing methods to identify functional/ligandable sites on high value oncology protein targets for therapeutic intervention. Light Horse Therapeutics was founded by leading academics Brian Liau (Harvard), Ben Cravatt (Scripps) and Nathanael Gray (Stanford) with initial financial backing from Versant Ventures and Mubadala Capital and from three strategic investors: Bristol-Myers Squibb Co, Taiho Ventures, and AbbVie Ventures. We are a mission-driven, scientifically rigorous team committed to transforming cancer treatment by developing first-in-class therapies.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated research associate/ associate scientist to support target validation efforts through genome-editing and functional genomics. This is a temporary and contract position. The ideal candidate will bring strong molecular and cell biology expertise, thrive in a fast-paced research environment, and demonstrate exceptional attention to experimental detail and data integrity. The successful candidate will play a key role in identifying and characterizing novel therapeutic targets through genome-scale CRISPR-Cas9 screens, molecular perturbation studies, and advanced cell-based assays.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute CRISPR-Cas9 functional genomic screens employing cutting-edge platforms and multiple phenotypic readouts (e.g., viability, reporter, and expression-based assays).
• Perform target and site validation in disease-relevant preclinical models using high-throughput and mechanism-focused cellular assays.
• Conduct mammalian cell culture and maintain large-scale cell line experiments with consistent quality and reproducibility.
• Execute molecular biology workflows, including DNA/RNA extraction, cloning, PCR, qPCR, immunoblotting, and flow-based analyses.
• Generate and analyze lentiviral vectors for transduction, selection, and stable cell line establishment.
• Support NGS-based readout preparation, including library construction and QC.
• Contribute to experimental design, data interpretation, and troubleshooting in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and well-organized experimental documentation in electronic lab notebooks.
• Communicate experimental results and data summaries effectively in group meetings and technical reviews.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in molecular biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, or related field with ≥2 years of hands-on laboratory experience in an academic, biotech, or pharmaceutical setting.
• Proven proficiency in mammalian cell culture, including large-scale transfection and selection workflows.
• Strong command of core molecular biology techniques, including nucleic acid and protein isolation, PCR/qPCR, cloning, and Western blotting.
• Demonstrated ability to multitask across parallel projects while maintaining data quality and reproducibility.
• Exceptional technical execution skills, attention to detail, and experimental rigor.
• Excellent record-keeping, analytical, and communication skills.
• Adaptable and self-motivated with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience performing pooled or arrayed CRISPR-Cas9 screens.
• Expertise in lentivirus production, infection, and selection of stable cell populations.
• Experience constructing next-generation sequencing (NGS) libraries and managing sequencing data pipelines.
• Familiarity with high-throughput assay development for cellular growth, signaling, or gene/protein expression.
• Experience with flow cytometry, including sample preparation, acquisition, and data analysis, is highly desirable.

Why Join Us?

At Light Horse, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Work with world-class founders and scientists on some of the most challenging and rewarding problems in drug discovery.
• Shape the trajectory of a rapidly growing biotech at the forefront of chemical biology and precision therapeutics.
• Be a core contributor in a mission-driven team passionate about developing life-saving medicines.
• Work in a supportive team environment.

The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in San Diego, CA is $85,000 to $115,000. This is a temporary and contract position not eligible for benefits. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience within the job, type and length of experience within the industry, education, etc.