Research Associate - Translation

Peak Bio is a newly created venture out of the San Francisco Bay Area that will soon reach a critical milestone in our history of going public on NASDAQ. We are seeking scientific and business talent at two of our critical sites that include our center of research excellence in Palo Alto, California, and our G&A infrastructure in South Florida.

Peak Bio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on commercializing innovative therapeutics that aim to improve and address significant unmet medical needs for patients with inflammatory, rare and specialty diseases and cancer. We seek qualified, energetic, and talented individuals with a desire for growth, and advancement but with a knack for working in a cross-cultural, team-based environment. The talent we seek works well with others and knows that, in the end, the company’s overarching goal is to improve the human health experience and help solve the medical mysteries that challenge us daily. As a company we will continue to explore, work closely with and partner with external researchers, clinicians, patient advocacy groups, academic institutions, governmental agencies, and our investors to continue to expand treatment options and partnerships to meet those expectations and find novel approaches to treat disease.

This is a full-time position based in our Palo Alto, California offices, and will initially report to the Head of Oncology.

This role will be important in driving the future of our business, demonstrating the ability to work scientifically with a unique business model, working collaboratively amongst other talented scientists who utilize expertise, analytics, creativity, and ingenuity to succeed.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform DNA, RNA and protein extraction from cell lines and tumors
• Perform FFPE Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Light Microscopy
• Perform Immunofluorescence staining of fresh-frozen tumor and tissue sections, and Immunofluorescence microscopy
• Utilize SDS-PAGE and Western Blotting
• Utilize ELISA for detection of antibodies and ADCs in whole cell tumor lysates and blood/ plasma (Pharmacokinetics)
• Analyze Tumor Gene expression and multiplex ELISA (Luminex)
• Analyze data and interpretation using standard methods and software (for e.g., GraphPad Prism, Excel, ImageQuant, Microscopy image acquisition etc.)
• Working with CROs to generate FFPE tumor blocks, slides, and maintain e-repository of same in electronic lab notebooks as needed
• Standardizing ELISAs, internal evaluation of toxicokinetics of non-GLP toxicology studies in NHP and communicating standardized SOPs to external CDMOs as needed

 Desired Abilities and Qualifications

• BS in molecular biology, cell biology or related science with 4+ years of relevant industry experience or MS in the same disciplines with 2+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Working knowledge of industry-standard Nikon, Olympus, Zeiss light and inverted microscopes
• Ability to work well in a highly matrixed environment
• A team member who collaborates and works closely with-
  • In vivo/ translation team and performs pharmacokinetic analysis on plasma/ blood towards efficacy/ safety evaluation and contributes to better design of pharmacology experiments by adding the dimension of exposure.
  • In vivo/ translation team to better understand dose levels and regimens for efficacy/ safety and recommends testing of new regimens or dose levels based on exposure relationships
  • target validation team to develop and troubleshoot ELISAs and better understand potency and IC50 concentrations at which antibodies/ ADCs are effective
  • antibody engineering team to better understand antibodies that are being evaluated by pharmacokinetics/ toxicokinetics
  • In vivo/ translation team and investigates MoA in tumor samples by histology, RNA gene expression analysis, and multiplex protein and cytokine analysis.
  • Ability to work independently and also work well in a team
  • Excellent documentation and organizational skills
  • Excellent interpersonal/communication skills in embodying a collaborative, respectful, courteous, capable company culture
  • Experience with antibody-drug-conjugates (ADC) a plus. 
  • Experience with Multiplex ELISA (Luminex) a plus

What you will enjoy while working with us

(Any or all of these benefits are subject to change at any time at Peak Bio’s discretion).

• Competitive Pay
• Bonus Eligibility
• Stock Option Eligibility
• Health Care Plan
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
• 401(k) Plan
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Life Insurance
• Long- and Short- Term Disability
• Generous PTO Policy
• Paid Company Holidays

Does Peak Bio’s mission and unique business model ignite your passion and interest?  Does the opportunity to work alongside talented and welcoming team members make you want to join?  Do the responsibilities and qualifications translate very similarly to what you have to offer?  Does the overall benefits package make you feel valued and appreciated?  If you answer “yes” to these questions, we definitely want you to apply.

Job candidates should be aware that full vaccination against COVID-19 is required as a condition of employment subject to legally required exceptions. Peak Bio is an equal opportunity employer and encourages potential or current employees to request a reasonable accommodation under federal, state and local regulations, should one be needed.

 Thank you for your interest!