Research Associate II, Pluvinage Lab
Palo Alto, CA$75.9kfull-timePosted 1w ago
About the role
Research Associate to join the Pluvinage Lab at Arc Institute. Focus on high-throughput antibody discovery to investigate autoimmunity in neurological disease, using clinical samples, functional genomics, protein display technologies, and computational tools to understand autoantibodies’ role in cognition and neurodegeneration.
Responsibilities
- Build Discovery Reagents: design DNA constructs and protein display libraries; perform molecular cloning, sequence verification, and quality control of constructs and libraries.
- Execute High-Throughput Screens: prepare reagents and patient samples; carry out antibody discovery and antigen-identification workflows across multiple protein display platforms; maintain rigorous controls and sample tracking.
- Analyze and Validate Discoveries: process screening data using established analysis workflows; assess data quality and reproducibility; prioritize hits and validate antibody–antigen interactions with complementary assays.
- Develop and Optimize Workflows: troubleshoot experiments; compare assay conditions; improve sensitivity, specificity, throughput, and reproducibility of discovery methods.
- Maintain Research Quality: keep complete experimental records; document protocols and analysis steps; maintain organized inventories of samples, constructs, libraries, and reagents.
- Contribute to a Collaborative Lab: communicate progress at lab meetings; coordinate experiments with senior lab members and collaborators; contribute to shared lab operations, equipment maintenance, and protocol training.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, immunology, genetics, or a related field, or equivalent relevant laboratory experience.
- 2+ years of relevant experience in an academic or industry setting (including independent lab work during undergraduate studies).
- Hands-on research experience in molecular biology.
- Demonstrated ability to execute multistep experimental protocols accurately, use appropriate controls, and maintain clear and complete laboratory records.
- Growth mindset to stretch scientific skillset and know when to ask for help.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, including careful tracking of samples, reagents, and experimental conditions.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently on established workflows and collaboratively with senior scientists.
- Commitment to rigorous, reproducible research and a strong interest in antibody discovery and its diagnostic applications.
Skills
Required:Molecular biologyProtein display technologiesCloning and sequence verificationData analysisDocumentation and record-keepingCommunication and collaboration
Benefits
- Base salary: $75,900 per year.
- Benefits and other compensation not included in base salary (explicit in description).
Last updated Oct 14, 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.
nonprofitAIbiologyliquid-ai-recruiting-targetpartnerships with Stanford University, UCSF, and UC Berkeleyresearch
More open roles at Arc Institute
- Biosafety Manager4d agoPalo Alto, CA · Operations
- Senior Research Associate, Molecular Engineering (Fixed-Term Contract)4d agoPalo Alto, CA · Technology Centers
- Software Engineer, ML Infrastructure1w agoPalo Alto, CA · Technology Centers
- Senior Research Associate, Viral Production (Fixed-Term Contract)1w agoPalo Alto, CA · Technology Centers
- Software Engineer, Lab Platform1w agoPalo Alto, CA · Technology Centers