Research Associate, Therapeutic Technologies
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 9, 2026. First seen by Alion on Sep 17, 2026.
Company
Addition Therapeutics is at the forefront of biotechnology innovation, building the next generation of gene therapy using our proprietary PRINT™ (Precise RNA-mediated Insertion of Transgenes) platform. PRINT™ redefines genetic medicine by enabling the development of RNA-only therapeutics capable of inserting any genetic element into specific safe harbor sites within the genome. Operating from state-of-the-art labs in South San Francisco, we are a Series A-stage company advancing programs across rare and common diseases.
The Role
We are looking for a Research Associate to join our Therapeutic Technologies team. This is a hands-on, bench-focused role at the center of how we turn designs into data: you will produce the RNA reagents that drive PRINT and run the cell-based assays that tell us how well those reagents work. The ideal candidate is a versatile, hands-on experimentalist who can perform in vitro transcription (IVT) and mammalian cell culture that read out payload performance end to end - and who generates the high-quality data our programs rely on from early discovery onward. You will work side by side with our RNA sciences, protein engineering, and program teams, keeping the core experimental engine of the company running.
About the Role
The day-to-day responsibilities of this role will include:
- Produce research-grade RNA by in vitro transcription (IVT) at routine cadence and scale - template preparation, transcription, capping and tailing, DNase treatment, and purification - and release material against defined quality specifications.
- Perform RNA quality control (concentration, purity, and integrity by spectrophotometry, fluorometry, and electrophoretic/capillary methods) and keep clear, traceable records of every lot.
- Maintain mammalian cell lines and disease-relevant models - passaging, cryopreservation, thawing, and routine health/mycoplasma monitoring - so assay-ready cells are available on schedule.
- Deliver PRINT RNA into cells by transfection, lipofection, and electroporation/nucleofection across multiple cell types.
- Execute the associated readout assays - reporter (luciferase/fluorescent) assays, ELISA for secreted proteins, qPCR/ddPCR for transgene expression and copy number, flow cytometry, and microscopy - generating accurate, reproducible data.
- Analyze, plot, and clearly document results in the electronic lab notebook; flag anomalies and contribute to troubleshooting and protocol refinement.
- Help keep the lab running: reagent and consumable inventory, sample and reagent tracking, and routine instrument upkeep.
What We're Looking For
Required
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, biotechnology, or a related field, with ~1-2 years of hands-on laboratory experience (industry preferred).
- Mammalian cell culture skills - sterile technique, maintenance of multiple lines, and transfection.
- Hands-on molecular biology experience, including RNA handling and RNase-free technique.
- Demonstrated reliability, organization, and attention to detail - you produce reproducible data and document it clearly.
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks in a fast-paced environment and to communicate results to a cross-functional team.
Preferred
- Experience producing or QC'ing mRNA/RNA reagents (IVT, capping, tailing, integrity analysis by TapeStation/Bioanalyzer/fragment analyzer).
- Experience with standard cell-based and biochemical assays such as reporter assays, ELISA, qPCR/ddPCR, flow cytometry, or Western blot.
- Experience with fluorescence microscopy and/or flow cytometry.
- Familiarity with gene therapy, mRNA, or other RNA-based therapeutic modalities.
- Basic data-analysis skills in R, Python, GraphPad Prism, or similar.
Why Addition
- Your work is the engine that directly moves our platform and programs forward.
- Small team with real breadth: a generalist role that touches nearly every program and grows with the platform.
- Work at the intersection of cutting-edge genetic medicine and high-value disease biology.
- Competitive salary, equity, and benefits, in a collaborative and supportive environment in South San Francisco.
Compensation
The expected annual salary range for this full-time position is $78,000- $98,000, plus eligibility for bonus, benefits, and equity incentives. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, business needs, internal equity, and alignment with market data.
Addition Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer. We value diverse perspectives and are committed to building an inclusive team.