Job Title: Research Associate I/II
Scientific fields: Cell & Molecular Biology, Animal models, Longevity Research
Position: Full-time
Target start date: July 1, 2023
Reports To: Director of Research
Summary:
Ponce Therapeutics (Ponce) is recruiting an experienced and motivated Research Associate to join the Company’s R&D team. Ponce is developing a state-of-the-art biotechnology platform to restore the youthful balance of aged (or “senescent”) and young cells in the skin, targeting senescent cells for elimination. Rapidly expanding research demonstrates that this can provide a “reboot” to one’s genetic program and turn back the clock of various tissues to a more youthful state. We are also pursuing a number of aging-associated, gene-based skin disorders.
The Research Associate will have a critical role in the day-to-day work and atmosphere in Ponce’s R&D lab located within the state-of-the-art K2 BioLabs (K2) Incubator Space in Houston. While the support staff at K2 carry out the bulk of ordering and lab maintenance, a successful candidate will play a role in lab organization with various light administrative duties and will conduct research developed largely by our senior scientific staff and leadership team.
A successful candidate must have experience handling small animals in a research laboratory setting. Proficiency in small animal manipulation techniques, such as intraperitoneal and intradermal injections, anesthesia, and IVIS operation is highly desirable. Experience with histology techniques such as tissue sectioning, immunofluorescence staining, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, and data analysis are also desirable. A good understanding of cell culture techniques, cell transfection strategies, flow cytometry, cell and molecular biology techniques, such as western blotting, gel electrophoresis, etc., is a plus. They should also be able to discuss and present their findings in a professional and effective manner with other personnel.
Specific Job Duties:
- Organizing the lab and maintaining supplies with K2 staff support.
- Leading hands-on efforts for the development of animal models of our anti-senolytic and anti senomorphic therapies to evaluate efficacy and safety of gene transfer.
- Culturing and analyzing various cell types.
- Helping in the development of cell-based assays to test new drug candidates and assess functional characteristics of gene-modified cells.
- Assisting in histology activities such as tissue sectioning, staining, and microscopy.
- Supporting technical reports summarizing experimental results and presenting results to peers in small groups or videoconference settings.
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, or related fields with a solid foundation in Cellular Biology.
- At least 2 years of relevant industrial or post-baccalaureate academic experience.
- Experience with mammalian cell culture and use of non-viral and/or viral vectors to introduce genetic material into cells.
- Experience and comfort working with animal models of disease.
- Ability to work as part of a team with proven ability to effectively plan and organize work activities and prioritize task completion to meet schedules and deadlines.
For more information and to apply please contact: careers@poncethera.com
