Cirsium Biosciences is an early-stage biotechnology company developing a novel plant-based platform for AAV production. We are advancing our technology from Research through Process Development and toward clinical and manufacturing readiness.

Position Summary

Function: Research

Level: Senior Research Associate

Position: 1-Year Contract

Reports To: Research Lead, Translational Biology Lead, or designated manager

Expected Salary Range: $75-100k, depending on experience and qualifications

Cirsium Biosciences is seeking a hands-on Senior Research Associate with experience supporting in vivo gene therapy studies, molecular biology workflows, AAV-related assays, and study documentation. This position executes mouse study activities, sample collection and processing, molecular biology assays, AAV biodistribution and expression analyses, protein and cell-based assays, and accurate study records.

The role requires strong bench execution, careful animal-study support, clear communication, and disciplined documentation. The successful candidate will be comfortable working in a fast-moving startup environment and will help ensure samples, raw data, calculations, and study records remain accurate, traceable, and ready for scientific review.

Key responsibilities

In Vivo Study Execution

• Perform mouse handling and restraint, body weight monitoring, clinical observations, and basic behavioral or functional assessments according to approved study plans and training.
• Support SC, IP, IV/tail-vein, IM, and other relevant dosing routes as authorized by training and applicable IACUC protocols.
• Perform or support blood collection, tissue harvesting, necropsy, organ dissection, anesthesia, euthanasia, and sample processing according to approved protocols.
• Support study randomization, dosing calculations, dose-volume preparation, sample collection schedules, and predefined study timepoints.
• Promptly communicate animal welfare concerns, unexpected observations, dosing issues, sample concerns, or departures from study instructions to the responsible lead.

Molecular Biology and AAV Assays

• Perform DNA and RNA extraction from tissues and cells and evaluate concentration, purity, integrity, and suitability for downstream testing.
• Execute PCR, qPCR, and RT-qPCR assays, including primer/probe design support, assay setup, raw data review, and troubleshooting.
• Perform gel electrophoresis, cloning support, basic construct verification, transfection, nucleic acid quantification, and related QC activities.
• Support AAV handling and dosing, vector genome quantification, biodistribution assays, transgene expression analysis, and tissue-based vector DNA/RNA analysis.
• Apply working knowledge of AAV biology, including capsids, transgenes, promoters, and dose units such as vg/animal and vg/kg.

Protein Cell Based and Tissue Assays

• Perform or support ELISA, Western blot, protein extraction from tissues, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, cell culture, reporter assays, and basic microscopy.
• Prepare samples, reagents, controls, and assay materials according to approved methods and study needs.
• Troubleshoot assay variability, document observations and conclusions, and recommend scientifically justified improvements when appropriate.
• Support histology-related workflows when experience and study needs align.

Study Documentation and Data Support

• Maintain accurate sample labeling, chain of custody, inventory records, raw data, calculations, and electronic lab notebook entries.
• Prepare graphs, study summaries, and data packages using Excel, GraphPad Prism, and basic statistical analysis.
• Support protocol drafting, SOP execution, study record completion, deviation documentation, and technical summaries.
• Coordinate with CROs, internal animal facilities, Research staff, and cross-functional partners to support study execution, sample transfer, and timely data review.
• Maintain clear traceability between animals, doses, timepoints, tissues, samples, assay data, raw data, and reported results.

Required Qualifications

• BS or MS in biology, molecular biology, biotechnology, pharmacology, biomedical sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
• Hands-on experience supporting in vivo mouse studies under approved IACUC protocols.
• Experience with common dosing routes, blood collection, tissue harvesting, necropsy, organ dissection, and sample processing.
• Strong molecular biology skills, including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, RT-qPCR, and nucleic acid quantification.
• Experience with AAV or gene therapy workflows, including vector handling, biodistribution, transgene expression, or vector genome quantification.
• Experience maintaining accurate raw data, sample records, electronic lab notebook entries, and traceable study documentation.
• Ability to work independently after training while communicating clearly with study leads, animal facility personnel, and cross-functional team members.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with histology, immunofluorescence, or immunohistochemistry.
• Experience with ELISA, Western blot, cell culture, reporter assays, or microscopy.
• Experience coordinating with CROs or internal animal facilities.
• Experience drafting protocols, SOPs, study summaries, or deviation documentation.
• Experience in a biotechnology startup, gene therapy company, academic translational research group, or preclinical research environment.
• Experience training or mentoring junior staff or interns may be helpful for Senior Research Associate candidates.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• Regular onsite work in laboratory and animal facility environments, with use of required personal protective equipment and compliance with site safety rules.
• Ability to wear required PPE and follow biosafety, animal care, chemical safety, and laboratory safety requirements.
• Ability to handle biological materials, animal tissues, chemicals, and research samples according to approved procedures.
• Ability to stand, sit, bend, reach, perform fine-motor laboratory work, and complete hands-on study activities for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift or move laboratory supplies and equipment within company safety guidelines.
• Occasional schedule flexibility may be required to support time-sensitive dosing, sample collection, animal study timepoints, or CRO coordination.

What Success Looks Like

• In vivo study activities are performed safely, consistently, and according to approved protocols and training.
• Samples, tissues, assays, calculations, raw data, and study records are complete, accurate, traceable, and available for review.
• Unexpected observations, animal welfare concerns, sample issues, assay variability, and study deviations are escalated early and documented clearly.
• AAV, molecular biology, protein, and cell-based workflows produce reliable data that supports study decisions and program progression.
• Internal teams, CROs, and animal facility partners receive clear communication and timely follow-through.

Additional Information

This job description describes the general nature and level of work expected for the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of every responsibility, duty, or qualification. Responsibilities may be adjusted based on business needs, organizational growth, employee training, and management authorization.

Cirsium Biosciences is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to any status protected by applicable law.