Research Associate

At Pasture Bio, we're not just developing vaccines; we're pioneering a groundbreaking approach to combat climate change. As our new Research Associate, you'll be at the heart of a passionate, early-stage team dedicated to transforming animal agriculture through immunological research. Your knowledge of immunology and vaccine development will directly contribute to our revolutionary project: designing and implementing cutting-edge strategies to reduce methane emissions from ruminants. 

Join our small but mighty team at our new lab in San Francisco’s Potrero Hill neighborhood. This is an opportunity to make a significant, tangible impact on our planet's future, blending scientific rigor with a mission for global sustainability.

• Design and Conduct Research: Lead and design both in vivo and in vitro experiments to investigate the immunological mechanisms in ruminants affecting methane production.
• Vaccine Development: Develop and refine assays for evaluating the efficacy and formulation of vaccines targeting methane-producing microbes in ruminants.
• Efficacy and Safety Evaluation: Assess vaccine candidates using a variety of assays to determine their efficacy and safety in both laboratory and field settings.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with interdisciplinary teams, including microbiologists, biochemists, and veterinarians, to advance vaccine development and conduct pilot studies.
• Data Analysis and Interpretation: Analyze experimental data using statistical software and contribute to research discussions for insightful interpretation of findings.
• Innovative Brainstorming: Actively participate in scientific discussions and brainstorming sessions to nurture a collaborative and innovative research environment.
• Laboratory Management: Oversee the maintenance of laboratory equipment and supplies, ensuring optimal conditions for research activities.
• Mentorship and Knowledge Upkeep: Guide and mentor junior research staff in compliance with safety and research protocols, while staying updated with the latest advancements in immunology related to ruminant species.

• 2-5 years of laboratory experience with a strong background in immunological techniques, including multicolor flow cytometry, ELISA, ELISpot, neutralization assays, and immunoblotting to evaluate immune cell responses in vaccinology and preclinical research.
• Experience with in vivo experimentation, especially working with mice.
• Proficient in mammalian cell culture using sterile techniques, cell transfection and immune cell isolation for blood and other immune tissues.
• Prior experience in vaccine development, preferably with a focus on bacterial or microbial pathogens.
• Familiarity with data analysis software and statistical methods for research data interpretation.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability of effective internal and external collaboration, including with CROs. 
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a consistent track record of meeting project deadlines.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Immunology, Microbiology, Veterinary Science, or related field.

• Experience with molecular biology techniques, such as PCR, molecular cloning, and gene expression analysis, and others.
• Prior experience in vaccine development, preferably with a focus on bacterial or microbial pathogens.
• Familiarity with methane-producing microorganisms and their metabolic pathways, and methods to quantify methane emission by ruminants in vivo and in vitro.