Senior Research Associate

Target Discovery & Genomics       ·       South San Francisco, CA       ·       Full time

At Alector, our mission is to develop therapies that empower the immune system to combat neurodegeneration. Our team is solely focused on developing treatments for some of the most challenging diseases facing our society. We are supported in this mission by experienced and accomplished scientists and clinicians, leading healthcare investors, and pharma company partners who share in our commitment to bettering the lives of patients.

As a Senior Research Associate in our Target Discovery team, you will play a key role in Alector’s efforts to understand the basic biology of brain disorders and translate great science into exceptional drugs. You will work closely with other scientists to discover and validate original targets with the aim of harnessing immune cells to treat neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. You will apply your existing technical skills to carry out analyses central to Alector’s scientific discovery effort – and learn new skills along the way. You will be influential in championing and developing Alector’s culture and discovery strategy. Note that this is a lab-based role that requires full time, on-site work at our South San Francisco headquarters.

During the first year, your goals will include:

• Performing innovative bench work such as genetic engineering of diverse cell types using CRISPR, preparing lentivirus and developing functional assays for new and existing targets
• Generating primary data and communicating analyses verbally and in writing to teammates

We’d love to hear from you if:

• You have extensive tissue culture experience with both cell lines and primary cells
• You possess skills of basic molecular biology techniques including nucleic acid purification and quantification, PCR, cloning and gel electrophoresis
• You have proven your ability to plan, organize and implement studies independently with a large number of samples
• You take pride in being persistent, self-motivated, efficient and extremely well organized
• You thrive in an environment where we work independently and on teams
• You demonstrate a track record of learning new things and troubleshooting independently
• You have at least 3 years of research experience at the bench in a relevant field
• You have a point of view but are low ego

Not required for consideration, but considered a plus:

• You regularly prepare lentivirus and transduce diverse cell types
• You have experience preparing and performing QC on NGS libraries for RNA-seq
• You have experience with FACS and/or plate-based assays
• You have direct experience working with microglia and/or iPS cells
• You have a working knowledge of CRISPR-based technologies (CRISPRi/a)

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At Alector, we believe that hard-working teams include people from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences who can challenge each other’s assumptions with fresh perspectives and bring creative ideas to the table. We are committed to building an open, diverse, and inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Among the things you’ll discover at Alector on Day 1 and throughout your tenure: committed and driven colleagues, a bold and important company goal, brand-new brightly-lit offices in the heart of the biotech area, flexible remote work options, and competitive compensation and benefits. But these matters only if you’re excited to build and own something great, and tackle these challenges with us. Come join us!

Alector is a phenomenal place to learn and experiment. If you excel in a dynamic environment where everyone is committed to finding a treatment, where you’ll drive growth, this is your role. There is no limit to how far you can go with us.

Employees of Alector working on-site are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19, and are required to provide proof of vaccination. Employees may be entitled to an exception or reasonable accommodation if they cannot be vaccinated because of a disability/medical necessity, or sincerely held religious belief. 

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Please click here to apply.