Research Associate II – Vivarium

Who We Are

For more than two decades, going our own way has led to countless breakthroughs, bettering the lives of those suffering from rare genetic disease. In 1997 we were founded to make a big difference in small patient populations. Now we seek to make an even greater impact by applying the same science-driven, patient-forward approach that propelled our last 25 years of drug development to larger genetic disorders, as well as genetic subsets of more common conditions. Through our unparalleled expertise in genetics and molecular biology, we will continue to develop targeted therapies that address the root cause of the conditions we seek to treat. Applying our knowledge to make a transformative impact is not just a calling, but an obligation to those who will benefit most. The end goal has always been better lives and now we can reach more.

And the more people we reach, the more our impact can grow. We transform lives through genetic discovery.

Our Culture

Our desire to make a positive impact on our patients extends to our employees and BioMarin is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every person feels seen, valued, and heard – so employees can thrive in all areas of their lives, in and outside of work. We seek to provide an open, flexible, and friendly work environment to empower people and to provide them with the ability to develop their long-term careers. Ultimately, we want to be an organization where people enjoy coming to work and take pride in our efforts to help patients.

BioMarin’s Research & Development group is responsible for everything from research and discovery to post-market clinical development. Research & Development involves all bench and clinical research and the associated groups that support those endeavors. Our teams work on developing first-in-class or best-in-class therapeutics that provide meaningful advances to patients. Come join our team and make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives.

We are seeking a motivated Research Associate 1 (RA1) or RA2 (depends on experience) to join the BioMarin Animal Resources (Vivarium) Group to assist in managing administrative functions and rodent model use in the animal program.  This position is critical to regulatory compliance for BioMarin’s Animal Care and Use Program.   

The successful candidate will have a dynamic role in managing breeding colonies at contract research organizations (CRO’s) and within BioMarin’s in-house vivarium.  This will include coordinating genotyping sampling and data and ensuring the multiple Therapeutic Area groups attain the appropriate rodent models needed for studies.  The successful candidate may also assist in the development, optimization, and implementation of genetic rodent models of multiple rare diseases. In addition, the successful candidate will manage procurement of animal subjects for in-house experimental use and may also assist in in-vivo study activities for various therapeutic indications, including dosing of test article in rodents, tissue collection, and sample management.   

The ideal candidate will have extensive in-vivo experience and familiarity with genetically engineered mutant rodent models, including mouse of disease models.  Experience in breeding colony management and familiarity with mouse model creation processes and techniques (e.g. CRISPR, Cre-lox and Tet-on systems, mouse IVF concepts) and familiarity with mutant model types (transgenic, knockout and knock-in models, conditional and traditional mutant lines) is highly desired.  Additionally, proficiency in in-vivo methods such as administration of test articles, perfusion and tissue collection, blood collection, as well as rodent surgical models is preferred. Familiarity with Animal Care and Use Laws and Regulations is highly desired as this position will be required to manage animal use inventories/census against Animal Care and Use Protocols (ACUPs). Organization, attention to detail, and ability to manage timelines is a critical requirement for this position. Bachelor's degree (BS or equivalent) or higher in Biological Sciences, Genetics, or a related field is required for this position.  AALAS certification at the LAT/LATG level highly desirable.  Candidate level at hire will depend on education and experience. 

Responsibilities: 

• Organize and maintain genetically engineered rodent colonies
• Engage with project teams and Therapeutic Area (TA) scientists in a collaborative manner to ensure efficiency in cohort planning
• Coordinate procurement of animal subjects from vendors and CRO’s.  Track inventories and costs associated with animal procurement
• Recognize, understand, and adhere to IACUC approved protocols, policies, and procedures
• Manage genotyping sample processing
• Perform in vivo lab procedures including but not limited to rodent dosing (ip, iv, sc, im, etc.) studies, breeding setups and husbandry, genotyping sample collection, blood/tissue collections
• Share responsibility for lab maintenance duties
• Other duties as assigned

Research Associate 2:

Bachelor’s degree and at least 4 years of experience; Master’s degree with at least 2 years of relevant experience

This position is full-time on-site and  based in Petaluma, CA. 

PLEASE NOTE: Absent a Medical or Religious reason that prohibits vaccinations, all our incoming employees must be vaccinated for COVID-19.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.