Research Associate II, NAMkind Assays

Research Associate II, NAMkind™ Assays

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Junior Research Associate  to support expansion of our NAMkind™ Tissue platform for drug-induced tissue injury and drug efficacy studies. The successful candidate will perform cell culture-based experiments, execute biomarker assays including ELISA, maintain high-quality laboratory documentation, and contribute to the generation of reproducible data supporting internal R&D and client-facing studies.

This role is ideal for an early-career scientist with strong tissue culture skills who is interested in applying advanced human-relevant in vitro models to drug discovery and safety assessment.

Key Responsibilities

Cell Culture & Tissue Model Support

• Maintain and culture primary mammalian cell types using aseptic technique.


• Thaw, expand, count, and prepare relevant cell populations for experimental studies.


• Assist with preparation and maintenance of multicellular cultures.


• Perform routine media exchanges, compound dosing, and sample collection according to SOPs.


• Monitor tissue morphology and culture health using microscopy and imaging systems.

Assay Execution

• Perform ELISA and other biochemical assays to evaluate tissue function and toxicity.


• Conduct viability, cytotoxicity, and functional endpoint assays.


• Prepare reagents, standards, controls, and assay plates.


• Operate plate readers and analyze assay quality metrics.

Experimental Operations

• Support execution of screening and mechanistic studies under the guidance of senior scientists.


• Maintain detailed electronic laboratory notebooks and experimental records.


• Assist with inventory management, reagent preparation, and laboratory organization.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Compile, organize, and perform basic analysis of experimental data.


• Generate figures, tables, and summaries for study reports and internal presentations.


• Contribute to continuous improvement of protocols and laboratory workflows.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, or related life science discipline.


• 1-3 years of laboratory experience in cell culture or tissue culture.


• Hands-on experience performing ELISA assays.


• Familiarity with standard laboratory instrumentation and aseptic technique.


• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.


• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

Preferred

• Experience working with primary cells or 3D tissue models.


• Familiarity with GraphPad Prism, Microsoft Excel, or other data analysis software.


• Experience following SOPs and Good Documentation Practices (GDP).

 Key Competencies

• Excellent laboratory technique and reproducibility


• Strong problem-solving skills


• Effective written and verbal communication


• Ability to manage multiple studies simultaneously


• Commitment to data integrity and scientific rigor.


• Strong organizational and time-management skills.


• Positive attitude, willingness to learn, and strong team-oriented mindset.