Research Associate II, Technical Operations
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 6, 2026. First seen by Alion on Nov 5, 2026.
A-Alpha Bio is an early-stage, rapidly growing biotechnology platform company headquartered in Seattle, WA. We are focused on building the foundational data layer for AI-driven protein engineering. We provide biopharma companies and model builders with access to ground truth experimental datasets, including affinity and structure, for training, benchmarking and validating AI protein models. In parallel, we apply our data and models directly with select partners to engineer next-generation dual-specific and molecular glue therapeutics, and to discover and optimize differentiated biologics.
This role is not open to remote applicants and would require relocation to Seattle, WA.
Starting Salary Range: $75,000 - $88,000 annually
Exemption Status: Exempt
Location Expectations: Onsite
Reporting To: Manager II, Technical Operations
Role Description
A-Alpha Bio is seeking a Research Associate IIto support ourTechnical Operations team’s execution of our AlphaSeqassay. In this role,you’llexecute DNA and yeast library construction, matings, next-generation sequencing,cell sorting,and flowcytometryto support interrogation of protein-protein interactions.Ideal candidateswill have strong organizational skills, impeccable attention to detail, and an interest in executing screening assays at scale.
Key Responsibilities
- Execute DNA library construction.
- Perform yeast transformation and matings, cell sorting, and flow cytometry.
- Execute DNA library preparation and sequencing workflows for Oxford Nanopore Technologies and Illumina platforms.
- Support the development and optimization of standard operating procedures for existing and new experimental workflows.
- Develop a foundational understanding of and executional expertisein Technical Operations methods.
- May contribute to project teams, execute project-related tasks, and/or train new Research Associates.
Qualifications & Experience
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with 2+ years of relevant postbaccalaureate laboratory experience in the biotechnology industry; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Proficiency in standard molecular biology techniques, including DNA extractions, quantitative PCR, Gibson assembly, and fragment analysis.
- Experience with multi-parametric flow cytometry.
- Experience in a high-throughput screening or manufacturing environment.
- Experience working within a LIMS/ELN.
- Strong work ethic, good organizational skills, team orientation, and exquisite attention to detail.
- Flexibility in day-to-day schedule and willingness to work outside of standard hours when necessary, including weekends.
Preferred
- Operator experience in a regulated environment (CLIA, cGXP, etc.).
- Hands-on experience with IlluminaorONT NGSplatforms.
- Experience with cell sorting.
- Experience using yeast as a model organism.
- Experience with Benchlingas a platform.
- Experience using lab automation.
In 2018, A-Alpha Bio spun out of the University of Washington’s Institute for Protein Design and Center for Synthetic Biology - both communities filled with brilliant and highly entrepreneurial scientists. Since the company’s inception, we have built and scaled AlphaSeq, our high-throughput platform for quantitatively measuring protein-protein interactions at unprecedented scale. What began as a technology for generating large, standardized affinity datasets has grown into a broader data engine for AI-driven protein engineering. New members of the team should expect a fast-paced, highly dynamic, and interdisciplinary work environment. We are building a diverse, meritocratic, and supportive team that shares our values of speaking the truth, shooting for the moon, taking the reins, playing for the team, and improving the world.
A-Alpha Bio is headquartered in a custom designed lab and office space in downtown Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood. We are fortunate to be situated in a region that is renowned for its premier outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, climbing, skiing, kayaking, sailing, and more. At A-Alpha, you’ll find many who love the outdoors, but also gamers, amateur chefs, explorers, sports fans, bakers, crafters, photographers, brewers, jetsetters, animal lovers, and artists. Whatever your passions, you belong at A-Alpha Bio!