Senior Research Associate

Position Summary:

We are seeking a talented and highly motivated individual to join the research team at Apellis Innovation Laboratory in Watertown, MA. The individual will be part of the Non-Clinical Development bioanalytical group, contributing to the discovery of novel treatments for ocular and neurologic diseases by targeting the complement cascade. The primary responsibility of this position will be to conduct sample preparation, analysis, and method testing for in vivo and in vitro pharmacology studies on various platforms such as protein assays (using platforms such as Simoa/Quanterix, Meso Scale Discovery (MSD), ELISA, Jess/western etc.) and mRNA assays (utilizing platforms such as qPCR, ddPCR, etc.) across a wide range of matrices/species.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Conduct quality sample preparation and analysis on various platforms such as Simoa/Quanterix, Meso Scale Discovery (MSD), ELISA, Jess/western, qPCR and ddPCR to evaluate in vitro and in vivo samples across a variety of biological matrices/species.
• Develop and implement biomarkers assays relevant for neurologic and ocular diseases and therapeutic targets.
• Effectively communicate experimental results to study directors and management, presenting data at project team meeting, as needed.
• Use critical thinking skills to analyze experimental data and comply with proper documentation practices via electronic laboratory notebook.
• Contribute to experimental designs and assay development for internal and externalized projects.
• Apply basic scientific principles to perform literature searches and extract relevant information from published protocols.
• Participate in shared lab duties (such as reagent preparation, lab inspection, instrument maintenance, etc.) and lab meetings.

Education, Registration & Certification:

• MS or BS in biochemistry, pharmacology, or life-sciences related program.

Experience:

• MS plus 3 years or BS plus 5 years of direct bench research experience, preferably in biopharmaceutical industry setting.
• Solid hands-on experience in immunoassay analysis and method testing is required and experience using MSD, and/or Quanterix platforms is highly preferred.
• Knowledge of and ability to troubleshoot assay matrix effects, specificity, and limits of quantitation/detection is required.
• Other cell biology, molecular biology and biochemistry techniques (such as cell culture, DNA and RNA extraction, qPCR, Western blot/WES/JESS, and ELISA and other ligand binding assays) are a plus.
• Understanding of bioanalytical best practices and FDA guidelines a plus.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:

• Highly motivated team player, willing to contribute where needed in a flexible and fast-paced environment. 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively communicate ideas and data interpretations.
• Disciplined documentation of experiments using electronic lab notebook.
• Experience in using common research software applications (such as GraphPad Prism, Excel, PowerPoint).

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• This position is a lab-based position which requires standing for prolonged periods of time. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand on a stool as necessary. This job operates in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines, as well as laboratory equipment.

Travel Requirements:

• Up to 15% travel expected. 

Benefits and Perks:

Apellis offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a 401(k) plan with company match, inclusive family building benefits, flexible time off, summer and winter shutdowns, paid family leave, disability and life insurance, and more! Visit https://apellis.com/careers/ to learn more.

Company Background:

Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a global biopharmaceutical company that combines courageous science and compassion to develop life-changing therapies for some of the most challenging diseases patients face. We ushered in the first new class of complement medicine in 15 years and now have two approved medicines targeting C3. These include the first and only therapy for geographic atrophy, a leading cause of blindness around the world. With nearly a dozen clinical and pre-clinical programs underway, we believe we have only begun to unlock the potential of targeting C3 across many serious diseases.

For more information, please visit http://apellis.com or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

EEO Statement:

Apellis is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state and local fair employment practices laws. Apellis strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy), gender (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender or transsexual individual), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, marital status, AIDS/HIV status, smoker/nonsmoker, and occupational pneumoconiosis or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

For San Francisco postings: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.  

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.