Senior Research Associate (Temporary) - Biotherapeutic Design Team

San Diego, CA

About us:

Tentarix Biotherapeutics is a biotechnology company with a revolutionary platform for the discovery of next generation, multispecific biologic drugs, with the potential to make a significant difference in the lives of patients suffering with diseases, such as cancer and autoimmunity.

We are led by a seasoned executive team with proven expertise in the field of multispecific drug discovery, drug development, and company-building. We are supported by top tier healthcare investors and have several ongoing partnered programs with Gilead and AbbVie.

We are committed to hiring and retaining highly qualified and motivated team members who are passionate about making a difference for patients in the modern drug discovery landscape. This role will start as a six-month placement, with the potential to extend the term.

The Tentarix culture is founded on integrity, accountability, teamwork, and respect. Our team members are creative, hands-on, self-directed, and determined. We offer autonomy, flexibility, a modern culture, and the best tools to ensure the success of our team.

Role:

Tentarix is seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Associate (Temporary) to join our Biotherapeutic Design team. This role will focus on antibody discovery, engineering, and phage display to support the development of our multispecific biologics ("Tentacles"). The successful candidate will contribute to molecular biology workflows, construct design, binder discovery, and molecular characterization in a collaborative, fast-paced research environment.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Perform molecular biology techniques including plasmid and primer design, cloning, DNA assembly, and construct verification.
  • Express, purify, and characterize antibodies and engineered proteins at microwell scale using assays such as ELISA, biolayer interferometry (BLI), flow cytometry, and other biochemical and cell-based methods.
  • Design, construct, and characterize complex biologics, including monoclonal antibodies and multi-specific antibodies.
  • Support antibody discovery campaigns using phage display, including library construction, selection, screening, and characterization of binders against diverse antigen targets.
  • Independently design, execute, analyze, and troubleshoot experiments while maintaining accurate documentation and presenting results to project teams.
  • Contribute to the development and optimization of innovative discovery, screening, and engineering platforms for multispecific biologics.
  • Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to advance discovery programs and improve research workflows.

 Qualifications and Skills:

  • B.S., B.A., or M.S. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related field, with 2–6+ years of relevant industry experience. Candidates with additional experience are also encouraged to apply.
  • Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques, including PCR, DNA cloning (e.g., Gibson Assembly, In-Fusion, Golden Gate), plasmid and primer design, DNA purification, Sanger sequencing analysis, and NGS library preparation for Illumina sequencing.
  • Experience with protein characterization techniques such as ELISA, biolayer interferometry (BLI), flow cytometry, or related analytical methods.
  • Experience with antibody discovery, protein engineering, or in vitro display technologies (e.g., phage display or yeast display) is highly desirable.
  • Experience with immune phage display, cell-based panning, or other antibody selection platforms including membrane proteins is a plus.
  • Strong experimental planning, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong attention to detail, and meticulous record-keeping.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, cross-functional research environment.

The wage range for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience, training, licensure, certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. At Tentarix, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range for the hourly rate is $50 - $65 hourly.

Our employees are the Company’s most valuable assets, so we offer attractive compensation and perks to retain the best in the field. Tentarix is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Tentarix Biotherapeutics, Inc. also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA. We are an E-Verify employer.