Light Horse Therapeutics
Research Associate/Associate Scientist, Discovery Biology (Contract Position)
Light Horse Therapeutics, San Diego, California, United States, 92189
Research Associate/Associate Scientist, Discovery Biology (Contract Position)
Company Overview
Light Horse Therapeutics is a San Diego-based small molecule drug discovery company, employing tools from chemical and computational biology, in conjunction with precision genome editing methods to identify functional/ligandable sites on high value oncology protein targets for therapeutic intervention. Light Horse Therapeutics was founded by leading academics Brian Liau (Harvard), Ben Cravatt (Scripps) and Nathanael Gray (Stanford) with initial financial backing from Versant Ventures and Mubadala Capital and from three strategic investors: Bristol-Myers Squibb Co, Taiho Ventures, and AbbVie Ventures. We are a mission-driven, scientifically rigorous team committed to transforming cancer treatment by developing first-in-class therapies.
Position Summary We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated research associate/associate scientist to support target validation efforts through genome‑editing and functional genomics. This is a temporary and contract position. The ideal candidate will bring strong molecular and cell biology expertise, thrive in a fast‑paced research environment, and demonstrate exceptional attention to experimental detail and data integrity. The successful candidate will play a key role in identifying and characterizing novel therapeutic targets through genome‑scale CRISPR‑Cas9 screens, molecular perturbation studies, and advanced cell‑based assays.
Key Responsibilities
Design and execute
CRISPR‑Cas9 functional genomic screens
employing cutting‑edge platforms and multiple phenotypic readouts (e.g., viability, reporter, and expression‑based assays).
Perform
target and site validation
in disease‑relevant preclinical models using high‑throughput and mechanism‑focused cellular assays.
Conduct
mammalian cell culture
and maintain large‑scale cell line experiments with consistent quality and reproducibility.
Execute
molecular biology workflows , including DNA/RNA extraction, cloning, PCR, qPCR, immunoblotting, and flow‑based analyses.
Generate and analyze
lentiviral vectors
for transduction, selection, and stable cell line establishment.
Support
NGS‑based readout preparation , including library construction and QC.
Contribute to
experimental design, data interpretation, and troubleshooting
in collaboration with cross‑functional teams.
Maintain
accurate, timely, and well‑organized experimental documentation
in electronic lab notebooks.
Communicate experimental results and data summaries effectively in group meetings and technical reviews.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in molecular biology , Cell Biology, Genetics, or related field
with ≥2 years of hands‑on laboratory experience in an academic, biotech, or pharmaceutical setting.
Proven proficiency in
mammalian cell culture , including large‑scale transfection and selection workflows.
Strong command of
core molecular biology techniques , including nucleic acid and protein isolation, PCR/qPCR, cloning, and Western blotting.
Demonstrated ability to
multitask across parallel projects
while maintaining data quality and reproducibility.
Exceptional
technical execution skills , attention to detail, and experimental rigor.
Excellent
record‑keeping, analytical, and communication skills .
Adaptable and self‑motivated with the ability to work both
independently and collaboratively
in a multidisciplinary team environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Hands‑on experience performing
pooled or arrayed CRISPR‑Cas9 screens .
Expertise in
lentivirus production, infection, and selection
of stable cell populations.
Experience constructing
next‑generation sequencing (NGS) libraries
and managing sequencing data pipelines.
Familiarity with
high‑throughput assay development
for cellular growth, signaling, or gene/protein expression.
Experience with
flow cytometry , including sample preparation, acquisition, and data analysis, is highly desirable.
Why Join Us?
Work with world‑class founders and scientists on some of the most challenging and rewarding problems in drug discovery.
Shape the trajectory of a rapidly growing biotech at the forefront of chemical biology and precision therapeutics.
Be a core contributor in a mission‑driven team passionate about developing life‑saving medicines.
Work in a supportive team environment.
The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in
San Diego, CA
is
$85,000 to $115,000 . This is a temporary and contract position not eligible for benefits. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience within the job, type and length of experience within the industry, education, etc.
Seniority level Entry level
Employment type Contract
Job function Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
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Position Summary We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated research associate/associate scientist to support target validation efforts through genome‑editing and functional genomics. This is a temporary and contract position. The ideal candidate will bring strong molecular and cell biology expertise, thrive in a fast‑paced research environment, and demonstrate exceptional attention to experimental detail and data integrity. The successful candidate will play a key role in identifying and characterizing novel therapeutic targets through genome‑scale CRISPR‑Cas9 screens, molecular perturbation studies, and advanced cell‑based assays.
Key Responsibilities
Design and execute
CRISPR‑Cas9 functional genomic screens
employing cutting‑edge platforms and multiple phenotypic readouts (e.g., viability, reporter, and expression‑based assays).
Perform
target and site validation
in disease‑relevant preclinical models using high‑throughput and mechanism‑focused cellular assays.
Conduct
mammalian cell culture
and maintain large‑scale cell line experiments with consistent quality and reproducibility.
Execute
molecular biology workflows , including DNA/RNA extraction, cloning, PCR, qPCR, immunoblotting, and flow‑based analyses.
Generate and analyze
lentiviral vectors
for transduction, selection, and stable cell line establishment.
Support
NGS‑based readout preparation , including library construction and QC.
Contribute to
experimental design, data interpretation, and troubleshooting
in collaboration with cross‑functional teams.
Maintain
accurate, timely, and well‑organized experimental documentation
in electronic lab notebooks.
Communicate experimental results and data summaries effectively in group meetings and technical reviews.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in molecular biology , Cell Biology, Genetics, or related field
with ≥2 years of hands‑on laboratory experience in an academic, biotech, or pharmaceutical setting.
Proven proficiency in
mammalian cell culture , including large‑scale transfection and selection workflows.
Strong command of
core molecular biology techniques , including nucleic acid and protein isolation, PCR/qPCR, cloning, and Western blotting.
Demonstrated ability to
multitask across parallel projects
while maintaining data quality and reproducibility.
Exceptional
technical execution skills , attention to detail, and experimental rigor.
Excellent
record‑keeping, analytical, and communication skills .
Adaptable and self‑motivated with the ability to work both
independently and collaboratively
in a multidisciplinary team environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Hands‑on experience performing
pooled or arrayed CRISPR‑Cas9 screens .
Expertise in
lentivirus production, infection, and selection
of stable cell populations.
Experience constructing
next‑generation sequencing (NGS) libraries
and managing sequencing data pipelines.
Familiarity with
high‑throughput assay development
for cellular growth, signaling, or gene/protein expression.
Experience with
flow cytometry , including sample preparation, acquisition, and data analysis, is highly desirable.
Why Join Us?
Work with world‑class founders and scientists on some of the most challenging and rewarding problems in drug discovery.
Shape the trajectory of a rapidly growing biotech at the forefront of chemical biology and precision therapeutics.
Be a core contributor in a mission‑driven team passionate about developing life‑saving medicines.
Work in a supportive team environment.
The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in
San Diego, CA
is
$85,000 to $115,000 . This is a temporary and contract position not eligible for benefits. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience within the job, type and length of experience within the industry, education, etc.
Seniority level Entry level
Employment type Contract
Job function Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
#J-18808-Ljbffr