Assay Development Associate Scientist or Scientist

Aureka Biotechnologies is an AI-driven biotech startup integrating high-throughput biology with generative AI to discover and develop antibody therapeutics with exceptional speed and precision. Through multiple pharma collaborations, our platform has been validated to deliver best-in-class, differentiated antibodies that are difficult to identify using traditional discovery methods.

Aureka Bio is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Associate Scientist or Scientist to join our Assay Development Team. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to a dynamic, AI-enabled biotherapeutics company dedicated to rapidly generating next-generation biologics in Immunology & Inflammation (I&I), metabolic, and fibrotic diseases.

The successful candidate will design, develop, and execute biochemical, cell-based, and in vivo translational assays to characterize antibody function, signaling, and efficacy. This individual will work closely with the proteinengineering, molecular biology, and in vivo pharmacology teams to provide critical functional and mechanistic insights that drive Aureka’s antibody discovery programs.

This is a bench-facing, on-site position based in Irvine, CA, offering high visibility and the opportunity to directly influence therapeutic discovery programs. The final title and level will be determined based on experience.

• Design, optimize, and execute cell-based functional assays, including reporter assays, cytokine release, proliferation, and immune activation assays.
• Develop and perform biochemical and binding assays such as ELISA, Alpha
  
  LISA, BLI/Octet, or flow-based binding.
• Maintain and manipulate mammalian cell lines (adherent and suspension) for transient and stable expression systems.
• Process human PBMC or patient samples for biomarkers and efficacy evaluation.
• Collaborate with the in vivo team to design and analyze pharmacodynamic and efficacy studies, including biomarker and ex vivo functional assays.
• Process and analyze in vivo samples (e.g., serum, plasma, tissue homogenates) using immunoassays or bioanalytical techniques.
• Support high-throughput screening campaigns by establishing robust, automation-ready workflows.
• Collaborate across biology and computational teams to integrate assay data into Aureka’s AI-driven discovery pipeline.
• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental results in project meetings and internal reviews.
• Maintain accurate experimental documentation in ELN and ensure compliance with data integrity best practices.

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Bioengineering, or a related discipline.
• For Associate Scientist: 3–5 years of relevant experience.
• For Scientist: 5+ years of experience in assay development, biologics discovery, and/or in vivo pharmacology.
• Proven expertise in antibiotic-free mammalian cell culture and cell-based functional assays and experienced with handling human primary cells in BSL2 environments.
• Hands-on experience with biochemical and biophysical assays (ELISA, Alpha
  
  LISA, Octet/BLI, or flow cytometry).
• Familiarity with in vivo pharmacology workflows, including sample handling, PD biomarker analysis, and data interpretation.
• Strong data analysis and troubleshooting skills; proficiency with Graph Pad Prism, Flow Jo, or equivalent analysis/statistics tools.
• Excellent attention to detail, organization, and ability to design/manage multiple experiments in parallel.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional, fast-paced environment.

• Experience with antibody or therapeutic protein characterization (agonism, antagonism, Fc effector, checkpoint signaling, and cytokine signaling).
• Familiarity with rodent models of inflammation, autoimmunity, or metabolic disease (not necessarily direct handling).
• Experience with assay automation or 384-well miniaturization.

Competitive and commensurate with experience, including salary, equity, and benefits—aligned with the company’s long-term success.

• Competitive compensation, comprehensive healthcare coverage, equity participation, family leave, paid time off, and 401(k) retirement plan.
• A fast-growing, innovation-driven work environment at the intersection of biology, automation, and AI.
• High-impact, collaborative culture where ideas translate directly into therapeutic candidates.
• Professional growth opportunities through mentorship, exposure to full discovery pipelines, and cross-functional project involvement.