Sr. Research Associate, Discovery Biology

About GondolaBio

GondolaBio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing next-generation therapeutics for genetic diseases. Originally launched as BridgeBioX, a subsidiary of BridgeBio, GondolaBio secured $300M in private financing from external investors in 2024 and became an independent company within the BridgeBio ecosystem. The company aims to leverage cutting-edge biological research to create breakthrough medicines addressing high unmet needs across multiple therapeutic areas, including neurology, pulmonology, cardiology, nephrology, and endocrinology. Located on the Stanford Life Sciences campus, GondolaBio fosters a unique hybrid environment where top scientists from around the world collaborate with senior leadership and advisors, blending industry expertise with academic innovation.

About BridgeBio

BridgeBio is a commercial stage biopharmaceutical company founded to discover, create, test, and deliver transformative medicines to treat patients who suffer from genetic diseases and cancers with clear genetic drivers. Our focus on scientific excellence and rapid execution aims to translate today's discoveries into tomorrow's medicines. We bridge the gap between remarkable advancements in genetic science in academic institutions and the delivery of meaningful medicines to patients. Founded in 2015, the company built a portfolio of 30+ drug development programs ranging from preclinical to late-stage development in multiple therapeutic areas including precision oncology, cardiology, endocrinology, neurology, pulmonology, renal disease, and genetic dermatology, with two approved drugs and a third program with a PDUFA date in Q4 2024. We have U.S. offices in San Francisco, Palo Alto, and Raleigh. We also have international offices in Montreal, Canada, and Switzerland.

Who You Are

We seek a motivated, creative, and experienced protein biochemist to fill the position of Sr. Research Associate, Discovery Biology at GondolaBio. The Discovery Biology group is a dynamic team of multidisciplinary scientists with expertise in protein sciences, biochemistry, biophysics, chemical, and cell biology. The group's mission is to pioneer lead-finding strategies through innovative screening approaches for identifying molecules with the desired mode of action and properties and develop robust in vitro assays for lead identification and optimization toward development candidate nomination. The ideal candidate has a solid theoretical background in protein sciences and will be highly organized and able to manage multiple protein production streams across various projects. Broad experience in different protein expression systems, diverse classes of protein, and an innovative approach to protocol development would be highly advantageous. Individuals with appropriate backgrounds will be able to contribute to the development of biochemical and biophysical assays. GondolaBio offers a collaborative environment where innovative research thrives. As a member of project teams, the candidate will work closely with an interdisciplinary team of scientists to achieve project milestones and goals.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design of protein production strategies, including construct designs and purification schemes to generate protein reagents for use in biochemical and biophysical assays and structural characterization of protein complexes

• Produce high-quality protein for various in vitro assays and assist with troubleshooting and optimizing expression/purification protocols

• Assist with identifying and implementing state-of-the-art techniques and experimental approaches in protein sciences

• Perform QC analysis by applying appropriate analytical techniques to ensure the final products meet the required criteria for in vitro assays

• Assist with overseeing protein expression/purification efforts at external CROs

• Work closely with project teams for timely delivery of protein reagents

• Effectively communicate with colleagues and stakeholders; provide updates to project teams and present results at project team and group meetings

• Maintain a clear and detailed laboratory notebook to document all experiments and findings

• Comply with best laboratory safety practices

No matter your role at BridgeBio, successful team members are:

• Patient Champions, who put patients first and uphold strict ethical standards

• Entrepreneurial Operators, who drive toward practical solutions and have an ownership mindset

• Truth Seekers, who are detailed, rational, and humble problem solvers

• Individuals Who Inspire Excellence in themselves and those around them

• High-quality executors, who execute against goals and milestones with quality, precision, and speed

Education, Experience & Skills Requirements

• B.S. or M.S. in Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Biophysics, or a related discipline with at least 3 years of hands-on experience in an industry setting

• Broad experience in expressing recombinant proteins in various expression systems and modern molecular cloning techniques

• Extensive hands-on experience in protein purification using various chromatographic methods with proficiency in the AKTA FPLC systems

• Experience in using analytical/biophysical techniques (HPLC, DLS, DSF, etc.) to assess the stability, solubility, and oligomerization status of proteins

• Experience in structural biology (X-ray crystallography, NMR, Cryo-EM) and methods for isolating and characterizing protein complexes highly desired

• Excellent communication, organization, and technical writing skills

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to learn new skills

• Excellent communication, organization, and technical writing skills

What We Offer

• Patient Days, where we are fortunate to hear directly from individuals living with the conditions we are seeking to impact throughout the year and learn how we can improve our efforts

• A culture inspired by our values: put patients first, think independently, be radically transparent, every minute counts, and let the science speak

• An unyielding commitment to always putting patients first. Learn more about how we do this here

• A de-centralized model that enables our program teams to focus on advancing science and helping patients. Our affiliate structure is designed to eliminate bureaucracy and put decision-making power in the hands of those closest to the science

• A place where you own the vision - both for your program and your own career path

• A collaborative, fast-paced, data-driven environment where we inspire ourselves and each other to always perform at the top of our game

• Access to learning and development resources to help you get in the best professional shape of your life

• Robust and market-competitive compensation & benefits package (Base, Performance Bonus, Equity, health, welfare & retirement programs)

• Flexible PTO

• Rapid career advancement for strong performers

• Potential ability to work on multiple BridgeBio Pharma programs across multiple therapeutic areas over time

• Partnerships with leading institutions

• Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion