Research Associate II, Pluvinage Lab

We are seeking a Research Associate to join the Pluvinage Lab at the Arc Institute. Our goal is to improve the lives of patients with neurological diseases by exploring undiagnosed autoimmunity in rare mystery cases and common neurodegenerative conditions alike.

You will work closely with senior lab members to drive high-throughput antibody discovery in autoimmune neurology and neurodegeneration. Your work will contribute across the full experimental workflow: designing constructs and libraries, cloning and validating reagents, executing screens across several protein display technologies, and analyzing and validating discoveries.

Responsibilities:

• Build Discovery Reagents: Work with senior lab members to design DNA constructs and protein display libraries; perform molecular cloning, sequence verification, and quality control of constructs and libraries.
• Execute High-Throughput Screens: Prepare reagents and patient samples, carry out antibody discovery and antigen-identification workflows across multiple protein display platforms, and maintain rigorous controls and sample tracking throughout.
• Analyze and Validate Discoveries: Process screening data using established analysis workflows, assess data quality and reproducibility, and work with senior lab members to prioritize hits and validate antibody–antigen interactions using complementary assays.
• Develop and Optimize Workflows: Work with senior lab members to troubleshoot experiments, compare assay conditions, and help improve the sensitivity, specificity, throughput, and reproducibility of discovery methods.
• Maintain Research Quality: Keep complete experimental records, document protocols and analysis steps, and maintain organized inventories of samples, constructs, libraries, and reagents.
• Contribute to a Collaborative Lab: Communicate progress at lab meetings, coordinate experiments with senior lab members and collaborators, and contribute to shared lab operations, equipment maintenance, and protocol training.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, immunology, genetics, or a related field, or equivalent relevant laboratory experience.
• 2+ years of relevant experience in an academic or industry setting (including independent lab work during your undergraduate studies).
• Hands-on research experience in molecular biology
• Demonstrated ability to execute multistep experimental protocols accurately, use appropriate controls, and maintain clear and complete laboratory records.
• Growth mindset to stretch your scientific skillset in a supportive environment, and the awareness to know when to ask for help.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, including careful tracking of samples, reagents, and experimental conditions.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work both independently on established workflows and collaboratively with senior scientists.
• Commitment to rigorous, reproducible research and a strong interest in antibody discovery and its diagnostic applications.

The base salary for this position is $75,900.