Research Associate II, Pluvinage Lab

Location: Palo Alto, California, United States; work is based at the hirify.global headquarters.

Base salary: $75,900 per year, excluding benefits and other compensation.

Company

hirify.global is an independent nonprofit research organization working at the intersection of artificial intelligence and biology to accelerate scientific progress and understand complex diseases.

What you will do

• Design DNA constructs and protein display libraries, perform molecular cloning, verify sequences, and conduct quality control.
• Prepare reagents and patient samples and execute antibody discovery and antigen-identification screens across multiple protein display platforms.
• Process screening data, evaluate data quality and reproducibility, prioritize discoveries, and validate antibody–antigen interactions with complementary assays.
• Troubleshoot experiments and optimize assay conditions to improve sensitivity, specificity, throughput, and reproducibility.
• Maintain complete experimental records, protocols, inventories, sample tracking, and analysis documentation.
• Coordinate experiments with senior lab members and collaborators, present progress at lab meetings, and contribute to shared laboratory operations and training.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, immunology, genetics, or a related field, or equivalent laboratory experience.
• At least 2 years of relevant academic or industry experience, including independent undergraduate laboratory work.
• Hands-on molecular biology research experience and the ability to execute multistep protocols accurately with appropriate controls.
• Strong attention to detail and organization, including careful tracking of samples, reagents, and experimental conditions.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently on established workflows and collaboratively with senior scientists.
• Commitment to rigorous, reproducible research and strong interest in antibody discovery and diagnostic applications.

Nice to have

• Experience with protein display technologies, antibody discovery, functional genomics, CRISPR screens, immune repertoire sequencing, or related workflows.

Culture & Benefits

• Long-term philanthropic funding and industry-like research resources.
• Freedom to pursue high-risk, long-term research without commercial pressures.
• Close collaboration between experimental and computational biology groups, senior lab members, and external collaborators.
• Minimum 2-year commitment to build a research portfolio for entry into a PhD program.