Research Associate II, Horns Lab
Palo Alto, CA$75.9kfull-timePosted 2mo ago
About the role
Research Associate II position at Arc Institute's Horns Lab focusing on developing platform technologies for monitoring and manipulating cells in living animals, with emphasis on molecular biology, cell engineering, viral vector production, and in vivo models. Opportunity to work on cutting-edge molecular technologies at the intersection of synthetic biology and genomics, with potential to co-author papers and plan projects from inception, aiming toward PhD enrollment.
Responsibilities
- Utilize a wide array of molecular biology techniques, such as restriction cloning, Gibson assembly, DNA/RNA isolation, cDNA synthesis, PCR, qPCR, NGS library preparation, and more.
- Produce and characterize viral vectors for in vivo delivery.
- Conduct tissue culture and transfection-based experiments, including microscopy and flow cytometry readouts.
- Independently carry out cell culture and in vivo experiments and molecular biology assays.
- Assist with research planning, execution, analysis, troubleshooting, and data interpretation with a high degree of independence and continued support from the rest of the team.
- Analyze and present data at internal subgroup meetings and seminars.
- Maintain an organized and detailed lab notebook.
- Assist with organizing and managing laboratory resources, including ordering supplies, managing inventory, and maintaining equipment.
Qualifications
- BS/MS or equivalent professional experience in cell & molecular biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, or similar field.
- 2+ years of relevant experience in an academic or industry setting (including independent lab work during undergraduate studies).
- Extensive hands-on experience with standard molecular biology techniques, such as cloning, PCR, qPCR, or plasmid preparation.
- Proficiency with mammalian cell culture and transfections.
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Highly motivated, curious, and a team player.
Skills
Required:Molecular biology techniquesViral vector productionCell culture and transfectionData analysis and interpretationDocumentation
Benefits
- Benefits not enumerated in description; not included in base salary
Last updated Sep 23, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.
About Arc Institute
A full-stack institute for AI and biology research.
Arc Institute is a nonprofit research organization headquartered in Palo Alto, California.
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