Senior Research Associate

At Nautilus, we have a big and important mission: improve the health of millions by unleashing the potential of the proteome to accelerate drug development and enable a new world of precision and personalized medicine. We are developing a single-molecule protein analysis platform of unprecedented sensitivity, scale, and ease of use that we believe will democratize access to the proteome – one of the most dynamic and valuable sources of biological insight. To accomplish this, we are pursuing deep, hard science with an entrepreneurial mindset and creating a world-class team of builders, innovators, and dreamers across a wide range of disciplines.

We are looking for a skilled and motivated Senior Research Associate to join our affinity reagent discovery team. In this role, you will be a hands-on contributor to discovery campaigns including affinity reagent selection and characterization — from library panning through functional validation. You will provide both technical depth and the flexibility in a fast-moving, multi-project environment.

Responsibilities

• Execute and optimize phage display panning campaigns to identify and enrich antigen-specific affinity reagent clones

• Perform high-throughput screening and characterization using a variety of techniques, including ELISA, western blot, biolayer interferometry (BLI) and the Nautilus proteomics platform

• Carry out molecular cloning workflows supporting antibody reformatting, expression construct design, and recombinant protein production

• Culture mammalian cells (e.g., HEK293) for transient and stable protein expression

• Contribute to data recording, experiment tracking, and reagent management within a LIMS platform

• Present experimental results clearly and concisely to cross-functional teams

• Author and maintain SOPs, assay protocols, and other controlled documentation

• Take on dynamic task assignments across projects as team priorities evolve — a genuine willingness to wear multiple hats is essential

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or a related life science field

• 4–6 years of hands-on laboratory experience, with demonstrated proficiency in antibody-based assay development and reagent characterization

• Direct experience with phage display or other affinity selection platforms

• Proficiency in ELISA, western blot, and at least one biophysical binding method (BLI or SPR)

• Practical experience with molecular cloning and mammalian cell culture

• Experience working within a LIMS or equivalent data management system

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent experiments

• Clear written and verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting data to diverse audiences

Preferred Skills

• Experience with fluorescence microscopy and/or cell-based imaging assays

• Experience with automated liquid handling and magnetic bead-based workflows

• Prior experience in a fast-paced biotech or startup research setting