Senior Research Associate

About Transcripta Bio

At Transcripta Bio, we're redefining the possibilities of transcriptional regulation to unlock new therapeutic frontiers. Our mission is to bridge the gap between deep biology and scalable science to discover novel drug targets and accelerate their path to the clinic. Based in Palo Alto, we're a multidisciplinary team of scientists, technologists, and innovators who thrive on collaboration, curiosity, and a commitment to scientific integrity.

About the role

As a Senior Research Associate at Transcripta Bio, you will spearhead the design, execution, and validation of the in vitro cell models critical to discovery research. You will culture and differentiate iPSC-derived and primary cells, run compound screens for our pharma and biotech partners, and generate the western blot, ELISA, and imaging data our teams use to make decisions. Your work will directly drive the development and characterization of novel drug candidates in a highly collaborative, innovation-driven environment.

What you'll do

• Independently design, develop, optimize, and execute in vitro cell-based assays, including complex 2D/3D culture models, to support target identification, drug screening, and mechanistic studies.
• Maintain and expand cellular models of disease, including iPSCs and their differentiation into motor neurons and astrocytes, plus primary cells such as fibroblasts and keratinocytes.
• Perform and interpret protein and cell-based assays, such as western blots, ELISA, BCA, flow cytometry, and immunocytochemistry, to characterize cellular models and validate results; quantify and analyze data in GraphPad Prism.
• Participate in all steps of high-throughput drug screening, from cell culture and ICC to library preparation, including compound dosing on automated liquid handlers (e.g., Hamilton STARlet).
• Plan and run partner screening campaigns timed to compound arrival and deadlines, coordinating plate schedules across multiple screening cycles.
• Lead design of experiments and implementation of assays to validate target potency, efficacy, and mechanism of action using molecular, cellular, and biochemical techniques.
• Troubleshoot technical hurdles such as cell health, detachment, and plate-level variability; propose solutions and implement emerging technologies to improve throughput and data quality.
• Document protocols, report findings, and maintain rigorous electronic lab notebooks (e.g., Benchling) to established quality and compliance standards.
• Draft procedures for the standardization and validation of functional assays in-house.
• Present data at team meetings, to cross-functional project groups, and to external partners; contribute to internal reports and external publications.
• Collaborate closely with Project Management and Engineering to integrate cellular models, support high-content screening, and translate findings into development pipelines.
• Mentor and support lab personnel and interns, provide cross-training as needed, and foster a team culture of transparency and open communication across departments.
• Maintain an organized, clean lab: monitor BSCs, incubators, and liquid handlers, keep routine cleaning current, and coordinate service calls and CO2 supply.
• Lead contamination response, including incubator and room decontamination, disposal decisions, and written contamination reports.
• Manage vendor relationships and ordering for cell lines, reagents, and instruments (e.g., ATCC, Revvity, LI-COR), including CDAs and imaging data storage planning.

Qualifications

• Degree in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field (M.S. preferred), with 4–6 years of relevant experience in industry or advanced academic settings.
• Demonstrated proficiency in mammalian cell culture, including primary cells, iPSC maintenance and directed differentiation, transfection/transduction, and cell line engineering.
• Extensive hands-on experience with western blotting, ELISA, PCR/qPCR, live and fixed cell imaging, ICC/IHC, flow cytometry, and other protein detection and validation methods.
• Experience running plate-based cell assays or compound screens, ideally with automated liquid handling.
• Proficiency with data analysis tools such as GraphPad Prism and Excel, and with an electronic lab notebook (e.g., Benchling).
• Strong aseptic technique and experience with contamination prevention and routine maintenance of incubators and BSCs.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with a proven record of multitasking and thriving in a fast-moving startup.
• Ability to work independently and on cross-disciplinary teams to drive project milestones and innovation.

Nice to Have

• Experience in drug target discovery or early-stage drug development.
• Experience with high-content imaging (e.g., Opera Phenix or confocal) and imaging data management.
• Experience with drug discovery programs run with external partners.
• Familiarity with tissue processing and sonication alongside cell-based work.
• Experience mentoring interns or junior staff.

Additional Attributes

• Creative problem solver, comfortable adapting to shifting priorities as research focus and internal programs evolve.
• Committed to scientific rigor, excellence, and ethics in all work, in and out of the lab.

Pay Range: $110,000-$120,000 annually

This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on advancing new therapies while growing as a scientist within an ambitious biotech startup.