Senior Research Associate, Biology and Translational Science

Senior Research Associate, Biology and Translational Science

The Role

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Senior Research Associate to join our Biology and Translational Science team in Early Drug Discovery. The successful candidate will play a critical role in advancing our pipeline by executing in vitro and ex vivo studies to support target discovery, development, and project progression.

This role will support multiple projects, work closely with senior scientists, and collaborate with members of the Biology and Translational Science team, Chemistry, and Pharmacology to support portfolio growth.

Responsibilities

Category

Description

in vitro biology

• Develop, implement and conduct cell-based assays, and in vitro biochemical assays, including but not limited to HTRF, MSD, ELISA and flow cytometry-based assays
• Maintain cell lines related to the project
• Perform routine and advanced laboratory protocols, specializing in tissue processing (e.g., murine tissues for downstream analysis), RNA isolation, and multi-color flow cytometry.

Data analyses & interpretation

• Analyze, interpret, summarize and communicate scientific data to the project teams in a timely manner
• Ensure the quality and reliability of screening data.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with other teams in Discovery to support project needs.
• Collaborate with team members to identify and develop new methods to support target discovery and development.

Reporting & data management

• Lead and/or assist in writing and revising technical documents including testing protocols and data reports
• Maintain up-to-date records in the electronic lab notebook

general lab maintenance

• Establish and maintain proper reagent & sample inventories, and databases
• Ensure reagents, instruments, processes are up-to-date and meet the industry standard

Qualifications

Category

Description

Education

BS/MS in cell biology, molecular biology, immunology or related fields is required.

Experience

Industry relevant laboratory experience of 6 years after BS or 4 years after MS

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in the following techniques: cell-based assays, maintaining cells lines, handling of tissue samples from pre-clinical models, handling human whole blood, working with primary cells, HTRF, MSD, ELISA, cell-based assays, flow cytometry, and experience in molecular biology techniques is preferred
• Proficiency with software such as GraphPad Prism, flow cytometry plots, Microsoft Office etc., for data analysis and figure generation
• Attention to detail with excellent organizational, experimental data recording and time management skills

Behaviours

• Capability to work independently and simultaneously on multiple tasks
• Ability to interact effectively with team members and function collaboratively in a highly productive, dynamic and fast-paced environment

Communication

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

Category

Description

Adaptability

High level of agility and comfort working in a fast-paced, newly formed team environment where processes are actively being built and refined

experience

• Familiarity with relevant disease areas (e.g., metabolic syndrome, autoimmunity, allergy, hematology) or biology themes (e.g., immunology, energy expenditure, platelet function)
• Expert-level knowledge in key technical areas like molecular biology, flow cytometry, or energy expenditure assays
• Experience working with human primary cells, i.e., isolating cells from blood or solid tissue
• Experience working with organoid models

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $100,000 and $115,000/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Protagonist Therapeutics is a discovery through late-stage development biopharmaceutical company. The Company''s proprietary peptide technology platform enables de novo discovery of peptide therapeutics. Two novel peptides derived from Protagonist''s proprietary discovery platform are at or near commercialization. ICOTYDE (icotrokinra) is approved in the U.S. for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older who weigh at least 40 kg who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. ICOTYDE is the first and only targeted oral peptide that precisely blocks the Interleukin-23 receptor (IL-23R) licensed to Janssen Biotech, Inc.,a Johnson & Johnson company. ICOTYDE was jointly discovered by Protagonist and Johnson & Johnson scientists, with Protagonist having primary responsibility for the development of ICOTYDE through Phase 1, and Johnson & Johnson assuming responsibility for further development and commercialization. An NDA for rusfertide, a first-in-class hepcidin mimetic peptide that is being co-developed with Takeda Pharmaceuticals pursuant to a worldwide license and collaboration agreement entered in 2024, is under priority review with the FDA. Protagonist holds an option to co-commercialize rusfertide in the U.S. through a 50/50 profit and loss share structure or can opt-out of this structure. The Company also has a number of preclinical stage drug discovery programs addressing clinically and commercially validated targets including an oral IL-17 peptide antagonist, obesity dual and triple agonists, an oral hepcidin functional mimetic, and the recently announced IL-4 and amylin programs.

More information on Protagonist, its pipeline drug candidates, and clinical studies can be found on the Company''s website at https://www.protagonist-inc.com.