Sr. Research Associate

Senior Research Associate, In vivo, Neuroscience 

On-Site - Pasadena, California, United States 

 

AcuraStem is a patient-based biotechnology company pioneering the development of treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and additional neurodegenerative diseases.   We are a purpose-driven company on a mission to get our promising treatments into patients' hands as quickly as possible.  

  

AcuraStem’s best-in-class disease modeling platform, iNeuroRx®, is the gold standard for discovering novel, effective, and broadly-acting treatments. The AcuraStem team’s extensive expertise in ASO technology is accelerating the advancement of treatments to the clinic.  

  

At AcuraStem, we know that empowered and supported colleagues strengthen our commitment and significantly enhance our collective mission. We are committed to scientific excellence, impactful results, persistence, attention to detail, teamwork, sound decision-making, and continuous learning.  

 

We are seeking a highly skilled and well-organized Senior Research Associate to contribute to our research programs and drive scientific progress.  The Senior Research Associate will work closely with AcuraStem scientists, executing and refining experimental protocols with precision. The ideal candidate will have experience handling rodents and be adept at following detailed protocols meticulously while also demonstrating the ability to propose improvements when necessary. 

 

Responsibilities: 

• Design, execute and manage in vivo experiments assessing the efficacy and safety of test agents in various rodent models.  
• Perform a range of in vivo techniques, including rodent handling, various routes of compound administration (IV, ICV, IT), tissue collection, and behavioral assessments.  
• Manage mouse colonies and perform breeding, weaning, and genotyping. 
• Conduct various laboratory assays, including immunohistochemistry, microscopy, and biochemistry/molecular biology. 
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, and prepare scientific documents including study reports, protocols, and other related materials for presentations, regulatory submissions and publications. 
• Maintain accurate records of experimental data and protocols in accordance with AcuraStem guidelines. 
• Collaborate effectively with internal/external resources to schedule and execute tasks independently with minimal training/guidance from manager.   
• Independently conducts multiple complex experiments and provides technical guidance and problem solving related to methods, procedures and processes, and obtain optimum solutions.  
• Provide technical guidance and problem-solving related to methods, procedures, and processes to the work group. 
• Mentor and train junior lab members, promoting a positive and collaborative research environment. 

 

Desired Skills and Experience: 

• Minimum 6+ years of hands-on experience conducting in vivo research with mice or rats. 
• B.S. in Biology, Neuroscience, Bioengineering, or a related discipline, with 4+ years of industry experience or 6+ years of academic research experience. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration and documentation. 
• Strong organizational and analytical skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously. 
• Proven ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. 
• Knowledge of and adherence to Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) procedures. 

 

Additional Information: 

• Scheduling Flexibility: Availability for late evening, weekend, and holiday work as needed to support animal welfare needs.  
• Travel Requirement: Frequent travel (>50%) to various AcuraStem laboratory sites in Los Angeles. 
• Work Authorization: Candidate must be currently in the USA and authorized to work immediately. 

 

Compensation/Benefits:   

• The salary range for this position is $82,000 - $115,000 with actual compensation determined by factors such as experience, qualifications, location, and other role-specific requirements.   
• AcuraStem offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package tailored to attract top talent. All regular-status employees receive compensation, performance-based bonuses, equity, and extensive benefits, including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. AcuraStem also provides paid time off, annual company holidays, 401K matching, and bi-weekly lunch for onsite staff.   

 

Diversity, Inclusion, and Recruitment Practices at AcuraStem:   

• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. AcuraStem is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity and inclusion throughout the hiring process. Employment decisions are made based on relevant qualifications, experience, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.   
• AcuraStem’s commitment to diversity and inclusion extends to all areas of employment, including hiring, compensation, performance evaluations, promotions, training, and career development. We strive to provide a supportive and inclusive workplace, free from discrimination or harassment.   
• For staffing inquiries, AcuraStem’s Human Resources team manages all recruitment activities directly. We ask that external recruiters avoid contacting hiring managers or submitting candidates without prior authorization, as unsolicited resumes will not establish any contractual relationship with AcuraStem. 

 

Qualified candidates, please submit your CV/resume to [email protected] 

Our Company Collaborators with synergistic skills in disease modeling, AI, bioinformatics, and drug discovery, AcuraStem's co-founders discovered PIKFYVE as a therapeutic target for ALS and FTD in a project led by co-founder Dr. Justin Ichida and published in Nature Medicine in 2018. The company has since established the iNeuroRx® technology platform, built out its team incorporating world-class antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) expertise, and established a growing pipeline of treatments.