Research Associate

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 Research Associate to join our therapeutic programs in Ophthalmology. In this role, you will support drug discovery teams by developing and performing in vitro assays to assess target biology, the mechanism of action of drug candidates and identification of leads. This position offers an opportunity to join a growing, dynamic startup and contribute to the discovery and development of novel therapeutics for aging related disorders, and also grow your career in Drug Discovery and Biotech. Candidates with diverse scientific backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We are looking for someone who thrives on teamwork, loves to learn new things, and of course has a deep love for science!

This is an onsite role based at our Brisbane, CA office reporting to the Senior Scientist.

Responsibilities

• Execute in vitro experiments to assess the biological functions of candidate drug targets including, but not limited to cell-based functional assays, modulation of gene expression, qPCR, flow cytometry, ELISA, SDS/PAGE, and high content imaging

• Engineer and maintain mammalian cell lines, including iPS-derived cells

• Innovatively troubleshoot, effectively resolving challenges as they arise

• Analyze data using Excel, Google Sheets, Graphpad Prism, or similar

• Keep detailed records of experiments using ELN

• Regularly present at team meetings to audiences of diverse scientific backgrounds

About You

You are an enthusiastic and curious individual who is eager to contribute to meaningful scientific work. You’re comfortable with common molecular biology and/or cell biology techniques and will take initiative in learning new protocols to drive ongoing projects. You’re organized, detail-oriented, and are a reliable team member. You thrive in collaborative environments, communicate findings effectively, and are open to feedback and mentorship. Above all, you’re passionate about what you do and are excited to be part of a supportive team working towards shared scientific goals.

• BS with 2+ years (or MS with 1+ years) of research experience in drug discovery, physiology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related discipline

• Must be able to work effectively in a fast-paced startup environment

• Must have excellent troubleshooting and organizational skills, and be adaptable to changing priorities

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Experience with mammalian cell culture, ELISA, RT-qPCR, and/or cell-based imaging is preferred

• Experience with biochemical techniques such as protein chromatography and purification is a plus

Compensation & Benefits
The annual pay range for this full-time position is $85,000-$95,000 + equity + benefits.
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.