Senior Research Associate, Lab Technician

Role Summary

Senior Research Associate – Lab Technician supporting preclinical and translational gene therapy programs. Executes in vivo and ex vivo studies, manages human and animal biosamples, and supports laboratory operations to advance the gene therapy pipeline. Helps train junior team members and contributes to technical transfer activities with CROs and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Execute preclinical studies using mouse models of neuromuscular and genetic diseases, including breeding, dosing (ICV, IV), functional assessments, and tissue collection.
• Perform histological and molecular analyses, including tissue sectioning, staining (H&E, immunohistochemistry), and preparation of slides for biodistribution and biomarker readouts.
• Support gene therapy translational research by handling human tissue and biospecimens, including processing, storage, and preparation for downstream multi-omics analyses.
• Conduct laboratory assays related to vector biodistribution, transgene expression, and immune monitoring.

Data Management & Analysis

• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data, contributing to reports, presentations, and regulatory documentation.
• Maintain accurate electronic laboratory notebooks and ensure adherence to GDP and GLP/GxP when applicable.
• Assist in the preparation of figures, survival curves, and technical summaries for internal and external stakeholders.

Lab Management

• Oversee supply inventory, reagent ordering, and equipment maintenance to ensure continuous lab operations.
• Manage biosafety and compliance requirements related to gene therapy research.
• Support technical transfer of assays and methods to CROs, academic partners, and contract labs.

Training & Mentorship

• Train and mentor junior technicians, students, or postdocs on laboratory techniques, animal handling, and best practices.
• Provide guidance to colleagues on proper execution of protocols and interpretation of technical results.

Project Support

• Work cross-functionally with Research, Translational Science, and Computational Biology teams to support program objectives.
• Contribute to the development of new preclinical models and innovative assay platforms.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to drive projects forward with scientific rigor and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, pharmacology, chemistry, or related field; advanced coursework or certifications preferred.
• 5+ years of hands-on laboratory experience in biotech, pharma, or academic research.
• Proven expertise in in vivo mouse handling, colony management, and injections (ICV, IV).
• Experience in histology and immunohistochemistry.
• Familiarity with molecular techniques (qPCR, ELISA, Western blot, flow cytometry).
• Knowledge of viral vectors, gene therapy technologies, or neuromuscular disease models.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent documentation skills and familiarity with GDP/GLP requirements.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams.
• Willingness to train others and contribute to a culture of scientific excellence and continuous learning.

Skills

• In vivo mouse handling and colony management
• Histology and immunohistochemistry
• Molecular biology techniques (qPCR, ELISA, Western blot, flow cytometry)
• Gene therapy technologies and viral vectors
• Data analysis, GDP/GLP compliance, and scientific communication

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, pharmacology, chemistry, or related field (advanced coursework or certifications preferred)