Addition Therapeutics is at the forefront of biotechnology innovation, advancing transformative therapies utilizing its proprietary PRINT™ (Precise RNA-mediated Insertion of Transgenes) platform. PRINT™ redefines genetic medicine by enabling development of RNA-only therapeutics capable of inserting any genetic element into specific safe harbor sites within the genome. Operating from state-of-the-art labs in South San Francisco, our team of experienced scientists and drug developers is leading scientific breakthroughs while cultivating a vibrant, dynamic culture committed to profoundly impacting patient lives.
The Role
We are seeking a highly motivated contract Research Associate to join our Quality Control team supporting in vitro potency and characterization testing. In this bench-focused role, you will perform and interpret cell-based and biochemical QC assays on materials generated by our Process Development and Formulation teams, maintain the cell lines and reference standards these assays depend on, and analyze dose-response data to release and characterize our RNA-based therapeutic materials. You will help build robust, transferable QC methods as our platform advances toward the clinic, working closely with cross-functional partners in a fast-paced, science-driven environment.
The successful candidate will work closely with our Process Development and Formulation teams, gaining exposure to key functional areas across the company. This role offers strong learning opportunities and a unique chance to contribute directly to programs advancing genetic medicine for both rare and common diseases.
About the Role
The day-to-day responsibilities of this role will include:
- Perform routine in vitro QC release and characterization assays — including cell-based potency/functional assays (e.g., reporter-gene / luciferase), ligand-binding ELISAs, and other plate-based biochemical assays — on materials from Process Development and Formulation.
- Prepare reference standards, standard curves, and serial sample dilutions; interpolate concentrations and determine relative potency using appropriate curve-fitting and quantitative data-analysis methods.
- Apply and monitor assay acceptance criteria and system-suitability metrics to ensure data integrity and assay robustness.
- Execute assays under aseptic technique; troubleshoot assay performance and contribute to method optimization and qualification.
- Maintain, passage, and cryopreserve mammalian reporter and production cell lines under aseptic technique; monitor growth, viability, and confluence.
- Perform routine cell-health checks and mycoplasma testing and manage cell banks and assay reagent inventory.
- Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records.
- Author and review SOPs, analytical methods, and qualification/validation reports to support QC transfer.
- Partner with Process Development and Formulation to support research and development efforts.
What We're Looking For
Education & Experience
BS or MS in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular or Cell Biology, Bioengineering, or a related life-science discipline:
- Bachelor's degree with 4–5 years of relevant laboratory experience, OR
- Master's degree with 1–2 years of relevant laboratory experience.
Required
- Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique.
- Experience with cell-based potency/functional assays (e.g., reporter-gene / luciferase) and/or plate-based biochemical assays such as ELISA.
- Proficiency analyzing dose-response data and fitting standard and potency curves using common scientific data-analysis software (e.g., GraphPad Prism, SoftMax Pro, or equivalent).
- Working knowledge of QC principles: assay qualification/validation, acceptance criteria, controls, and metrics such as %CV, dilutional linearity, and parallelism.
- Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and technical writing abilities.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, startup environment.
- Self-motivated, adaptable, and eager to learn.
Preferred
- Experience with high-throughput imaging.
Why Addition
- You will be an early scientific contributor to programs with real momentum — novel biology, a differentiated platform, and partnerships that validate the direction.
- Small team, high autonomy. Your work will directly support program decisions, not sit in a queue.
- Work at the intersection of cutting-edge gene therapy and translational science.
- Competitive salary, equity, and benefits. South San Francisco location with a collaborative, no-nonsense lab culture.
Compensation: The hourly rate for this position is $40-$50.
Location: South San Francisco, California
We are an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.
