Research Associate - Protein

About the Company

At Medra, our mission is to use AI, robotics, and biology to accelerate life science research, with the ultimate goal of eradicating disease. We are building a Physical AI Scientist platform that combines physical AI for instrument operation with scientific AI for autonomous reasoning.

Responsibilities

• Execute protein expression experiments across multiple host systems including mammalian, E. coli, and cell-free
• Run protein characterization assays such as SPR, BLI, DSF/DSC, and developability assays
• Perform cell-based binding and functional assays to evaluate candidates against cell-surface targets
• Manage day-to-day operation of the cell culture facility, including passaging, inventory, and maintenance
• Maintain detailed experimental records in electronic lab notebooks (ELN) and contribute to SOP development
• Collaborate with scientists and roboticists to optimize protein screening and characterization workflows

Requirements

• B.S., B.A., or MS in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline
• 4–6 years of hands-on industry lab experience (for B.S./B.A.) or 2-4 years (for M.S.) in protein science
• Expertise in protein expression using mammalian cell lines (e.g., Expi293, ExpiCHO) or microbial systems
• Hands-on experience with high-throughput protein quality control and biophysical characterization
• Experience maintaining mammalian cell lines and performing cell-based assays including flow cytometry
• Strong documentation habits and ability to work independently

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with developability assessment assays (HIC, AC-SINS, PSR)
• Experience with analytical techniques like HPLC-SEC, HPLC-HIC, or FACS-based binding assays
• Familiarity with imaging-based cell assays such as high-content imaging or fluorescence microscopy
• Experience with cell-free protein expression or specialized enzyme workflows
• Comfort working with lab automation or robotics platforms

Benefits

• Significant equity ownership
• 401k
• Medical and dental insurance
• Unlimited PTO
• Weekday dinners