Job Description

  Job Title: Research Associate I/II, Research & Development

About Avista Therapeutics

Avista Therapeutics is a biotechnology startup company backed by UPMC Enterprises that is developing innovative gene therapies on a high-throughput scale. Our wet lab scientists work closely with our bioinformatics team to leverage our single cell platform scAAVengr to identify top-performing adeno-associated virus (AAV) variants and directly translate our findings into clinical applications in the retina and central nervous system.

About the Role

Avista seeks an enthusiastic, detail-oriented, and dedicated individual to join our team full-time to conduct animal (mouse) research in a dynamic laboratory environment. Duties will include animal husbandry tasks, including the breeding, handling, and care of mice, as well as genotyping. A bachelor’s degree in biology, or a similarly related scientific field, as well as prior experience with mouse research is required. The ideal candidate will have experience with performing therapeutic injections into mouse eyes, as well as conducting mouse visual assessments such as electroretinography (ERG) and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). All applicants should be highly motivated and able to work independently, have excellent organizational and record-keeping skills, and adhere to the highest standards of animal care and research integrity. This research requires handling/exposure to research animals and laboratory chemicals/hazardous materials.

Job Responsibilities

• Conduct experiments integrating physiological, morphological, and molecular approaches
• Perform animal husbandry tasks, including breeding, handling, genotyping and general care of mice
• Administer intraocular injections
• Prepare animal tissues for downstream gene and protein expression analyses, including single-cell sequencing and western blotting
• Conduct morphological studies involving cryosections, immunohistochemistry, and microscopy techniques
• Collect animal data, including ERG and OCT tests, to assess the efficacy of drug products in disease models
• Perform quantitative analyses and visualize data using Prism or comparable software
• Contribute to the functioning of a well-organized and clean lab environment
• Collaborate with wet lab and computational scientists to develop optimal experimental plans
• Prepare scientific progress reports for internal and external distribution
• Maintain detailed records in an electronic lab notebook

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree and two years hands-on research experience in Molecular Biology, Neurobiology, Genetics, Cell Biology or a related field
• Experience with animal handling and data collection
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques, including RT-PCR, qPCR, WB, and microscopy
• Organized and detail oriented
• Strong communication skills
• Comfortable in a dynamic startup environment

Compensation and Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including stock options, medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance and PTO.

Avista Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, marital or partnership status, familial status, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, HIV status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by appropriate federal, state, or local laws.

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