Research Assistant

Revolutionize surgery at Trace Biosciences

Trace Biosciences is a biotech startup creating imaging agents for surgery. We are well funded through non-dilutive grants (SBIR, STTR + regional government) as well as venture capital investments. Founded in 2019 we are now developing our first products that will enter clinical trials in 2024.

Our mission is to revolutionize surgery by highlighting detailed anatomy in real-time. Our first product is a nerve targeting imaging agent that will prevent surgical nerve damage.

If we can successfully develop this, our imaging agents will be used in almost all operating theaters, enable true precision surgery, and vastly improve patient outcomes.

We are recruiting talented individuals who are excited to join our team in Portland, Oregon to help develop our technology and grow the company. This role offers applicants the opportunity to join one of the most promising biotech startups in the Northwest as a key first-hire.

The Role

We are seeking a Research Assistant with a focus in chemistry and laboratory operations. You will work with our research team to complete experiments essential to the development of the imaging agents currently under development and maintain our laboratory operations.

What will you do

• Research and plan scientific experiments to characterize novel small molecule fluorescent imaging agents.
• Outline and execute planned experiments based on developed protocols and SOPs.
• Complete comprehensive data collection, monitoring, and analysis for reporting to the research and development team and leadership.
• Collaborate with chemistry teams to guide new compound synthesis and steer overall development direction.
• Support laboratory operations by maintaining scientific instrumentation, validating experimental results, and promoting a safe and efficient laboratory environment.
• Communicate with the multidisciplinary team on progress and experimental results.
• Coordinate studies with external collaborators to complete project goals and communicate project progress.
• Generate valuable intellectual property to drive product development and clinical translation.

Who we are looking for:

A proactive team player with exceptional research and laboratory skills in synthetic organic chemistry (or a related field). You can work on a diverse team and execute goals effectively under the mentorship of senior scientists.

• Resourceful, independent, and self-motivated with a hands-on attitude.
• Able to complete honest self-evaluation of progress towards objectives. You can give and receive candid feedback in a constructive and positive manner.
• Willing to adopt, engage with, and shape company culture.
• Excited to grow with a small starting team and collaborate on all company tasks.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills. You can articulate ideas clearly and present them on behalf of the company.
• 2 years or more of research experience in a chemistry-related research laboratory.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working on biotech or drug development research projects.
• Prior experience with clinical drug development.
• Experience with in vitro and in vivo models.
• Prior experience with surgical technologies or imaging agents.
• Experience writing scientific reports, grant applications, or other technical writing.

Working at Trace Biosciences

We are a well-funded and rapidly-progressing biotech company based in Portland, OR with a newly renovated laboratory in Beaverton, OR. We offer competitive pay, company equity, and excellent healthcare benefits for these positions.

Trace Biosciences is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and consider all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected characteristic.

To learn more about the original proof of concept that spawned our launch see: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scitranslmed.aay0712