Research Associate/Senior Research Associate (Glaucoma)

About Character Biosciences

Character Biosciences is a precision medicine company pioneering targeted therapies for polygenic diseases, with an initial focus on ophthalmology. Our patient data platform integrates genomics with deep, longitudinal clinical and imaging data, enabling us to uncover genetic drivers of disease progression, advance novel therapeutics, and define patient stratification strategies that improve clinical success.

Our interdisciplinary team, comprising experts in clinical science, data science, statistical genetics, computer vision, and drug discovery, utilizes this platform to determine genetic drivers of disease progression, advance novel therapeutics and define genetics-based patient stratification. Powered by our data platform, Character Bio is currently advancing two programs in Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) with additional programs for other disease areas (e.g. Glaucoma) in earlier stages of discovery research.

Founded in 2018, Character has raised capital from leading investors at the intersection of healthcare and technology, including an oversubscribed $110+ million Series B in 2025 co-led by aMoon and Luma Group, with participation from Bausch + Lomb, Sanofi Ventures, Innovation Endeavors, Catalio Capital Management, S32, KdT Ventures, and Jefferson Life Sciences. We also maintain a multi-target drug discovery collaboration with Bausch + Lomb to develop innovative precision medicines for AMD.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a talented and highly motivated Research Associate/Senior Research Associate to join our Glaucoma Drug Discovery team. In this role, you will develop in vitro disease models and perform cell-based and in vitro assays to elucidate target biology, identify lead candidates and assess their mechanisms of action. This position offers an unique opportunity to contribute to the discovery and development of novel therapeutics, and also grow your career in a dynamic, thriving Biotech startup. This role is ideal for someone with hands-on experience in neuronal and glial cell culture and looking to make a difference in our fight to preserve vision.

This is an on-site laboratory position located at Brisbane, CA.

Responsibilities

• Engineer, maintain, and differentiate iPSC-derived and/or primary human neurons and glia for disease modeling

• Develop and perform cell-based functional assays and in vitro assays, including but not limited to high-content cell imaging, ELISA, qPCR, immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry.

• Independently plan, execute and troubleshoot experiments and collaborate effectively with team members to solve problems

• Coordinate tasks across multiple projects and keep meticulous records

• Organize, analyze and communicate results in team meetings

About You

You are a passionate researcher energized by the opportunity to contribute to drug discovery in a dynamic startup setting. You learn from experience and strive to deliver high quality results.

• BS with 3+ years (or MS with 1+ years) of research experience in neurobiology, stem cell biology or related discipline.

• Must be nimble and able to work with changing priorities.

• Must have hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, assay development, ELISA, and fluorescent microscopy.

• Experience with iPSC-derived neurons and glia is highly desirable.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

• Must have excellent troubleshooting, organizational and communication skills.

Compensation & Benefits

The annual pay range for this full-time position is $85,000-$105,000, depending upon level and experience.
Benefits include a competitive salary, strong equity incentives, medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and an accrued paid time off policy. Character is committed to recruiting, developing, and supporting colleagues from all backgrounds. We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion as an integral part of our culture.