Senior Research Associate ~ Cell Culture

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.

Would you like to create something new that really makes a difference? Would you like to be part of a talented team where everyone has a voice?

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 validate original targets and develop innovative drugs targeting the immune cells to treat neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. You will apply your technical skills to generate and analyze data central to Alector’s scientific discovery effort. You will be influential in championing and developing our culture and discovery strategy.

During the first year, your goals will include:

• Culture hiPSC lines and primary cells for downstream differentiation applications.
• Differentiation of hiPSC to microglia, neurons, astrocytes, and macrophages.
• Genome engineering using CRISPR systems.
• Developing new assays using cell culture and relevant analytical methods.
• Generating primary data and communicating effectively to stakeholders.

We’d love to hear from you if you have:

• Bachelors Degree in Science with preference in Biology
• Extensive experience in hiPSC culture and differentiation.
• Experience in transducing/transfecting diverse human cell lines/primary cells.
• Good command of molecular biology techniques (nucleic acid purification and quantification, qPCR, cloning etc.)
• Working knowledge of multi-color flow cytometry.
• Proven ability to plan, organize and execute studies independently with many samples.
• Demonstrated ability to participate as an independent contributor in multi-function teams.
• A demonstrated track record of quick learning curve and independent troubleshooting.
• A minimum of 5 – 8 years of research experience at the bench in a relevant field.
• A point of view but are low ego.

Not required for consideration, but considered a plus:

• hiPSC differentiation into brain cell types.
• Genome editing in hiPSC.
• Direct experience working with macrophages or microglia.
• Background knowledge in immunology and/or neuroscience.
• Preparing NGS libraries for RNA-seq.
• Experience in immunostaining and microscopy (fixed and/or live cell) and in high-throughput assays and/or automation.
• Experience in an internship on Stem Cell heavy lab would be a plus

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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.

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!

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.

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.