Ridgeline Discovery, a Versant Ventures Discovery Engine, creates and operates Versant-financed innovative biotech companies in partnership with entrepreneurs, industry, and leading academics. In recent years, Ridgeline has assembled an international team of >50 highly experienced drug discovery and industry professionals and built and operated multiple new successful companies; these companies have raised significant funds through Series A, B, IPO and an exit through a trade sale.
We are looking for a highly motivated (Senior) Research Associate responsible for supporting one of Ridgeline Discovery’s portfolio companies.
The successful candidate will have experience in a variety of cell biological methods, chemical biology approaches as well as chemical and genetic screening technologies. Experience in the field of induced proximity technologies and transcriptional networks is a plus.
She/he will be a highly motivated and enthusiastic team player with proven organizational skills and with a strong scientific background to impact our early target discovery pipeline and later stage target characterization and profiling. This Basel-based position offers a tremendous opportunity to support one of our latest portfolio companies in an experienced, vibrant, and dynamic biotech team.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Conduct tissue culture and genetic modification of mammalian cell lines
- Transfect and transduce cells using electroporation and lentiviral infection
- Develop and optimize cellular assays using diverse readouts and technologies
- Transition assays to semi-automation or full automation to increase throughput
- Perform pooled and array-based genetic screens
- Implement flowchart assays for comprehensive profiling and characterization of compounds
- Conduct flow cytometry and cell sorting
- Measure protein and mRNA expression levels through Western blotting and RT-qPCR
- Analyze cellular signaling pathways with advanced methods such as reporter cells, ELISAs, BRET, and other techniques
- Responsible for design, planning, execution and interpretation of the above-mentioned experiments
- Troubleshoot and implement solutions
- Apply scripts for screening analysis and hit-calling
- Thorough documentation of experimental, data in lab notebooks and presentation of results in internal meetings
QUALIFICATIONS
You are a highly motivated and independent individual with excellent communication and interpersonal skills who is effective at working in a collaborative and diverse environment.
- Educational Background: Laboratory apprenticeship or BS / MS in biotechnology, biochemistry, biology, or a related field
- Industry Experience: 2+ years in the biopharmaceutical industry is of advantage
- Technical Skills:
- Proficient in molecular biology and cell culture techniques across a range of cell models
- Experienced with high-capacity, cell-based assays and familiar with experimental design and data evaluation
- Software Proficiency: Skilled with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and GraphPad Prism; basic programming skills (e.g., Python or R) are advantageous
- Team Player: Effective communicator and strong collaborator in diverse team settings, with excellent interpersonal skills
- Language: Proficiency in English, both spoken and written
WHAT WE CURRENTLY OFFER
- People: We are an international and diverse team with talented and passionate people.
- Creativity: We offer an innovative and creative environment.
- Development: We support the individual development of our employees.
- Fun: From time-to-time we organise cool off-site summer and winter team events.
- Offices: Our well-equipped laboratories and offices are located at the Tech Park, a premier address for early-stage start-ups in Basel.
- Commuter Benefits: We support our employees tailored to their personal needs in commuting to work and offer parking facilities or a commuter contribution.
- Flexible Working: We support flexible working as appropriate.
- Christmas Closure: In addition to the 24 holidays per year, our offices/labs are closed between Christmas and New Year.
- Birthday Retreat: On top of that, your birthday is your personal holiday - our employees enjoy their birthday with a day off.
- Food: We like get-togethers during lunch time. Enjoy tasty, subsidised meals from our FELFEL food fridge.
- Coffee: Meet up with your colleagues and grab free coffee.
To apply, please submit your completed application form along with your CV, cover letter, and reference letters.