Research Associate - Oncology Research

About Leona:

LeonaBio, Inc., headquartered in the Seattle, Washington area, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of novel therapeutics for high unmet medical needs, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and treatment-resistant metastatic breast cancer, with the goal of improving patients’ lives. Our lead drug candidates, lasofoxifene and ATH-1105, are novel, small molecule therapies with the potential to address devastating diseases where current treatment options are limited or ineffective. With a strong commitment to scientific excellence and patient-centered innovation, we are dedicated to developing meaningful new therapies for those who need them most.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate / Senior Research Associate to support hands-on laboratory research across our preclinical programs. Leveling will be based on the candidate’s education, relevant experience, technical capabilities, and degree of independence

This role will support preclinical research activity across our oncology and neurology programs. The successful candidate will be responsible for executing laboratory experiments, maintain high-quality cell culture and assay workflows, documenting results, lead ordering and inventory workflows, support the organization and maintenance of the laboratory space and equipment, and perform other research tasks as needed for the advancement of scientific goals.

The ideal candidate is a technically strong bench scientist who is detail-oriented, organized, comfortable working in the lab, and motivated to generate high-quality, reproducible data in a collaborative biotech environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on laboratory experiments to support preclinical research programs in oncology and neurology
• Maintain and culture mammalian cell lines using strong aseptic technique and consistent laboratory practices
• Execute cell-based, molecular, and biochemical assays, including cell viability assays, western blotting, ELISA, qPCR, immunofluorescence, and sample preparation.
• Support assay optimization and troubleshooting under the guidance of senior research staff.
• Prepare, process, label, store, and track biological samples, reagents, and experimental materials.
• Collect, analyze, and summarize experimental data using appropriate software tools, and maintain accurate and timeline electronic lab notebook records.
• Lead reagent inventory, lab organization, equipment maintenance, and general laboratory readiness.  
• Communicate experimental progress, technical issues, and data summaries to project team members.

Qualifications

Required

• B.S. or M.S. in Biology, Cell Biology, Cancer Biology, Pharmacology, or related scientific discipline with 3+ years of relevant research experience
• Experience with mammalian cell culture required; experience with cancer cell lines and neuron models strongly preferred
• Hands-on in vitro wet-bench experimental experience required.
• Ability to work in a BSL-2 facility.
• Ability to carefully follow existing methods and SOPs.
• Detail-oriented individual that can contribute to operational documentation and accuracy in reporting results.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage laboratory equipment and inventory.
• Proficiency with Windows OS, Microsoft Office, and scientific software commonly used for data analysis and documentation, including Excel, GraphPad Prism, electronic lab notebooks, and basic statistical packages.
• Self-motivated individual able to work both independently and collaboratively to advance multiple projects operating in a fast-paced research environment

Preferred

• Experience working in a biotech, pharmaceutical, or translational research environment.
• Experience with oncology, neuroscience, neurodegeneration, inflammation, or related disease biology.
• Experience supporting small-molecule drug discovery or preclinical research programs.
• Experience with sample tracking, reagent inventory, lab operations, or coordination with external vendors/CROs.

Placement in salary range is dependent upon experience, market rate and internal equity considerations.   

LeonaBio is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of an individual’s race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law. This policy applies to all terms, conditions and privileges of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, compensation, promotion, discipline and termination.