Aureka Bio is seeking a highly motivated, passionate, and detail-oriented Senior Research Associate or Associate Scientist to join our R&D Molecular Biology team and advance our innovative discovery programs. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a fast-growing, AI-driven biotherapeutics company dedicated to rapidly generating next-generation biologics for Immunology & Inflammation (I&I) and metabolic diseases.

The ideal candidate will have 4+ years of hands-on experience in molecular biology or related in the field of antibody engineering. This role will provide the opportunity to collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team of scientists to design and produce plasmids, construct and screen libraries. This is a bench-facing, on-site position based in Orange County, CA, offering high visibility and impact within a dynamic and collaborative environment. The candidate will also assist in the management of lab operations and inventory management. The final title and compensation will be commensurate with experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the molecular biology team’s efforts in antibody-based screening campaigns targeting diverse antigens.
• Design and execute construction of plasmids using diverse methods such as Gibson and Golden Gate assembly.
• Clone and screen antibodies using yeast and phage display technologies.
• Characterize antibody candidates with cell-based assays such as ELISA, BLI, flow cytometry…etc.
• Screen antibody libraries using fluorescence based cell sorting (FACS).
• Maintain detailed reports, records of experimental notes, and data using Benchling ELN.
• Support laboratory management and curation of related inventory.
• Operate and periodically maintain relevant laboratory equipment and instruments including flow cytometers, FACS instruments, water baths…etc.
• Independently troubleshoot and optimize experimental protocols for improved throughput, accuracy, and reproducibility.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• B.S. in Biological Sciences, Protein Engineering, Molecular Biology, or a related field with 4+ years of experience, or M.S. with 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques in biotech or pharma settings.
• Familiarity with bacterial and yeast cloning and culturing.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across disciplines.
• Experience with ELN, preferably Benchling.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience flow cytometry cell-based assays, screening, and experimental design.
• Experience with yeast and phage display technologies.
• Experience with next generation sequencing workflows across different platforms such as Illumina, PacBio, Nanopore…etc.
• Ideal candidates will have prior experience supporting antibody discovery and optimization workflows.

Why Join Aureka?

• Join a mission-driven team advancing the future of antibody discovery.
• Work at the cutting edge of AI, synthetic biology, and microfluidics.
• Be part of a collaborative, dynamic, and fast-growing startup.
• Competitive salary, equity options, and full benefits package.