Research Associate I/II, Protein Science & Antibody Expression

Lycia Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company leveraging its lysosomal targeting chimera (LYTAC) platform from Founder and Chemistry Nobel Laureate 2022, Carolyn Bertozzi, to discover and develop first-in-class therapeutics that degrade extracellular and membrane-bound proteins.

Lycia’s next generation degraders harness the cell’s endogenous lysosomal trafficking and degradation machinery with the potential to degrade targets previously considered to be intractable, across a spectrum of indications.

After raising $105 million in capital in 2021, Lycia is advancing an internal pipeline of novel degraders and has entered a strategic collaboration with Eli Lilly to address key unmet medical needs.

In May 2024, Lycia Therapeutics completed a $106.6 million series C financing to advance its pipeline of LYTAC extracellular protein degraders to the clinic.

Lycia is headquartered in South San Francisco.

Visit https : / / lyciatx.com / for more information.

The Role :

We are looking for a highly motivated Research Associate I / II with protein expression experience to join our exciting drug discovery efforts here at Lycia Therapeutics.

This is an entry level position that will report to the Head of Cloning and Expression in the Biologics Department and will provide an excellent opportunity to learn further areas of Biologics development and analyses.

The role will involve multiple functions in the lab with an emphasis on Protein Sciences and Expression.

As part of the Cloning and Expression Team, you will play a central role in advancing our lead LYTAC Programs through your hands-on benchwork in molecular cloning and cell culture.

A successful candidate will have a strong record of accomplishment, a basic understanding of recombinant antibody structure, and will be expected to work in a collaborative, cross-functional team workflow.

Key Responsibilities :

• Express various recombinant protein targets and antibody-based biologics using mammalian expression systems, especially via transfecting Expi293 and ExpiCHO cells at 4 mL to 4 L scales.
• Express multiple recombinant proteins from shake flask productions on a weekly basis to meet ongoing project timelines.
• Optimize and clone mammalian expression constructs on a weekly basis.
• Coordinate, prioritize, and plan your actions across multiple ongoing projects.
• Analyze and report all data; maintain consistent and thorough ELN documentation.
• Effectively communicate plans and results in written reports and in team presentations.

Requirements :

• BS / MS with at least 2+ years in Molecular and Cell Biology or related field. Title will be commensurate with education and years of experience.
• Extensive experience with mammalian tissue culture and transfection is absolutely required, in particular with suspension Expi293 and ExpiCHO expression systems.
• Broad knowledge of molecular biology techniques including HiFi DNA assembly (Gibson assembly), site-directed mutagenesis, restriction enzyme DNA cloning, and DNA purification.
• Experience with bacterial expression or with CHO stable bulkpool expression is a desirable plus.
• Experience with DNA analysis software (SnapGene or Geneious, etc) is needed.
• Protein characterization skills including SDS-PAGE and Western blotting are needed.
• Additionally, understanding flow cytometry, ELISA, BLI, and / or SPR would be useful.
• Strong organizational, time management, documentation, and interpersonal communication skills are required.
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a highly collaborative team environment; ability to coordinate tasks across multiple projects to meet deadlines.
• Willingness to accept and develop other team responsibilities outside of the initial job description.

$70,000 - $100,000 a year

The expected base salary range for this role is $70,000 - $86,000 for Research Associate I and $85,000-$100,000 for Research Associate II.

We encourage candidates of all levels to apply as there is often flexibility on job title and responsibilities. Compensation will be based on a variety of factors, including experience, qualifications and internal equity.

Lycia offers a competitive employment package that includes an annual bonus, equity, and a generous benefits package.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status