About Us
We’re looking for teammates who relish the challenge and are compelled to leave a positive
mark on the lives of the patients we serve alike. If embracing creativity and candor, thriving on
challenges, and empowering your teammates to succeed excites and inspires you, join us as
we champion hope and work to advance our aspiration to find therapies for cystic kidney
disease.
About the Role
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Associate Scientist to join our discovery biology team. The ideal candidate will have extensive hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture, cell line engineering, and cell-based assay development, along with a strong foundation in fluorescence microscopy and high-content imaging. This is a highly collaborative, bench-focused role suited for someone who thrives in a multidisciplinary environment, enjoys scientific problem-solving, and is eager to contribute to the design and execution of experiments that drive early-stage programs forward.
What You'll Do
- Design, execute, and troubleshoot cell-based in vitro assays to support therapeutic discovery
- Develop and maintain engineered mammalian cell lines using a variety of transgenic approaches (e.g., CRISPR, lentiviral transduction, PiggyBac, etc.)
- Characterize transgenic cell lines using flow cytometry, western blotting, qPCR, and other molecular biology techniques
- Develop, optimize, and execute small-molecule screening assays
- Manage, reformat, and prepare small-molecule libraries for screening
- Perform high-content fluorescence imaging, including immunofluorescence staining and microscopy
- Analyze image-based datasets using tools like ImageJ/Fiji; contribute to interpretation and data-driven decision-making
- Leverage laboratory automation platforms to improve throughput and reproducibility of screening and imaging workflows
- Maintain meticulous documentation of protocols, data, and findings; contribute to reports and internal presentations
- Collaborate cross-functionally with biology, chemistry, and data science teams; mentor and support junior team members
- Adapt to shifting priorities and contribute to a dynamic, mission-driven team environment
What You'll Bring
- B.S. with 6+ years or M.S. with 4+ years of relevant industry experience in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field
- Strong expertise in mammalian cell culture and the development of stable/transgenic cell lines
- Experience with multiple transgene delivery and genome engineering platforms (e.g., CRISPR, lentivirus, PiggyBac, transposon systems)
- Demonstrated experience developing and executing cell-based assays, including functional and phenotypic readouts
- Proficiency in molecular biology techniques such as qPCR, western blotting, and flow cytometry
- Hands-on experience with immunofluorescence staining and high-content fluorescence microscopy
- Familiarity with image analysis tools (e.g., ImageJ/Fiji); ability to process and interpret complex imaging datasets
- Experience managing compound libraries, including preparation and formatting for screens
- Experience with laboratory automation is a plus
- Strong organizational and documentation skills, with excellent attention to detail
- Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results on time
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; a team player who thrives in a multidisciplinary setting
- A proactive, adaptable mindset with a commitment to scientific excellence and continuous learning
We believe in building balanced teams. We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics.
Top Skills
What We Do
5AM was founded in 2002 and pursues investments in advanced life science innovations, and seeks to be diversified across the biopharmaceutical therapeutics, and platform technologies. Within each sector, 5AM invests across multiple therapeutic areas and modalities and evaluates opportunities based on innovative platform technologies, corporate spin-offs and products with shorter development cycles.
Content 5AM shares on this platform is not, and may not be relied on, in any manner, as legal, tax, investment, accounting or other advice or as an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy an interest in any private fund, special purpose or other investment vehicle sponsored by 5AM Ventures. Content 5AM shares on this platform is not an investment recommendation.
For a full list of all 5AM portfolio companies, please visit: https://5amventures.com/portfolio/