Research Assistant

Research Assistant

Palo Alto, CA | On-site

Company Description: 4J Therapeutics is a Palo Alto–based biopharmaceutical company developing a programmable antiviral platform for serious viral threats. Our approach uses locked nucleic acid antisense oligonucleotides designed to target conserved viral RNA structures, with the goal of enabling antiviral products for treatment, prophylaxis, and pandemic preparedness.

Job Description: We are seeking a Research Assistant to support laboratory research and preclinical studies for our antiviral development programs, including mammalian cell culture, PCR-based assays, sample processing, and in-vivo mouse work.

This is a hands-on, in-person role for someone who is detail-oriented, reliable, organized, and comfortable working in a fast-moving biotech startup environment. The person in this role will work closely with scientific staff and external collaborators to execute experiments, maintain high-quality records, and support the advancement of our antiviral platform.

Responsibilities

• Perform mammalian cell culture, including maintenance, passaging, transfections, infections, and assay setup
• Run PCR, qPCR, RT-qPCR, and related molecular biology assays
• Support in-vivo mouse studies, including study preparation, dosing support, sample collection, animal monitoring, and coordination with study teams
• Prepare buffers, reagents, assay materials, and experimental samples
• Process biological samples from in-vitro and in-vivo studies
• Follow established protocols and help optimize experimental workflows
• Maintain accurate, complete, and organized lab notebooks, data files, and experimental records
• Analyze, summarize, and communicate experimental results to the team
• Support lab organization, inventory management, equipment maintenance, and general laboratory operations
• Work on-site in Palo Alto five days per week

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, virology, microbiology, biochemistry, bioengineering, or a related field
• 2+ years of prior research experience in an academic, biotech, pharma, CRO, or related laboratory setting
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture
• Hands-on experience with PCR, qPCR, RT-qPCR, or related molecular biology techniques
• Experience supporting or conducting in-vivo mouse studies
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow protocols carefully
• Strong organizational, documentation, and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple experiments, timelines, and priorities
• Ability to work effectively in person as part of a small, fast-moving team

Preferred

• Experience working with viruses, antiviral assays, infectious disease models, or virology-related research
• Experience with influenza, respiratory viruses, or viral replication assays
• Experience with animal study sample collection and processing
• Experience with nucleic acid therapeutics, oligonucleotides, delivery systems, or RNA biology
• Experience with cell-based assays, plaque assays, TCID50, or other virology assays

Experience working in a startup, biotech, pharma, CRO, or regulated research environment

Compensation and Benefits:

The expected salary range is $60,000–$70,000, with compensation dependent on experience. Benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, 401(k), paid time off, with potential for equity participation.