Job Description - Astera Institute - Scientist, Assay developmentAbout AsteraAstera is a 501(c)(3) private operating foundation on a mission to help lead humanity's transition to a scientifically advanced, abundant future. In service of this mission, we run residencies and other internal programming to support the creation of public goods for science and technology, such as open, non-proprietary infrastructure, tools, datasets, and standards.
We believe an abundant future for all is possible – but not inevitable. To bring it about, we must rebuild the machinery of science to be more efficient, scalable, and open. We need visionary leaders who are compelled by the challenge of leveraging all the resources at our disposal to drive transformative change in the way science is funded, conducted, and communicated.
Scientist - Assay developmentWe are currently seeking a scientist to join an early stage start-up, being incubated at Astera, which is operating at the intersection of fermented foods, human health, and open science. This role will focus on the development of high-throughput assays to evaluate bioactive compounds from fermented foods.This role will be in-person in the Bay Area, primarily at our lab space in San Francisco, but with an expectation to be at the main Astera offices in Emeryville 1-2x/month. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The candidate should be available to start within 3 weeks of an offer being made.
Key responsibilitiesIn vitro cell-based assay development and compound screening:
Designing, executing, and optimizing protocols for high-throughput in vitro cell culture protocols, specifically focused on human immune cell populations and immune stimulation assays
Designing, executing, and optimizing protocols for quantifying known bioactive compounds using HPLC and LC-MS
Designing, executing, and optimizing protocols for activity-guided fractionation of unknown compounds
Leading data analysis and interpretation
Maintaining high standards for written and oral communication of day-to-day operations and data. Preparing and delivering research presentations.
Key experience and competenciesEssentialEssential qualifications, experience and competencies:
Technical:
PhD or equivalent experience in immunology or related area
Expertise in in vitro human cell culture and immune cell assays, including immune stimulation assays, differentiation protocols, flow cytometry, ELISA, cytokine assays
Experience with liquid chromatography approaches to sample fractionation and characterization, including HPLC and LC-MS
Experience developing, troubleshooting, and executing high-throughput assays
Experience with molecular biology protocols including nucleic acid extraction, RT-PCR and library preparation for sequencing
Expertise with collecting, analyzing, and presenting scientific data in both written and graphical formats, including appropriate use of statistical tests and high-quality figure generation
Ability to think critically and employ scientific problem-solving and troubleshooting
Ability to initiate and maintain multiple lines of scientific inquiry at a time, and flexibly pivot between strategies to achieve broader scientific goals
Personal/Interpersonal:
Excellent interpersonal skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and organizational skills
DesirableQualifications, experience and competencies:
Prior experience in a fast-paced start-up environment
Salary and benefitsWe take a market-based approach to compensation. The candidate's starting pay will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and interview performance. We benchmark salaries based on equivalents in for-profit biotech startups.
Salary range for this position: $120,000 - 170,000/yr
We offer benefits including:
Health Insurance (inc. medical, dental, and vision) for employee and dependents
Family leave (up to 12 weeks)
A flexible time off policy
403(b) plan
Astera welcomes everyoneWe believe diversity enriches our team and so strive to hire people with a wide range of identities, backgrounds, and experiences.
We are an equal opportunity employer. That means we don't discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
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