In Vivo Pharmacology (Senior Research Assistant - Senior Associate Scientist Level)

In Vivo Pharmacology (Senior Research Assistant - Senior Associate Scientist Level)

California Institute of Technology & Howard Hughes Medical Institute | Elowitz Lab

Full-time | Pasadena, CA (onsite) | 1-year term (renewable) | Start: March-April 2026 (flexible)

Our team in the Elowitz Lab at Caltech/HHMI is engineering therapeutic protein circuits, a new cancer-treatment modality at the intersection of synthetic biology and oncology. We’re looking for an in vivo oncology scientist (Senior Research Assistant to Senior Associate Scientist) to help expand and run the program’s translational in vivo engine. The role starts in an academic setting, with the option to transition into an early-stage startup in 2027.

Why therapeutic circuits?

Cancer therapies face a fundamental trade-off between effectiveness and precision, driving off-target toxicity, recurrence, and resistance. Therapeutic protein circuits address this by directly rewiring oncogenic mutations to cell death. Delivered as mRNA in lipid nanoparticles, these engineered proteins can distinguish cancer from normal cells and have shown tumor suppression in vivo. By design, these circuits “sense and kill” rather than inhibit. This mechanism makes them independent of oncogene addiction and less susceptible to resistance than most targeted therapies, potentially enabling a new generation of highly potent and specific cancer medicines.

Why join us now?

Over the past decade, our team has built and de-risked the therapeutic circuit platform. As we move toward a spinout, this is a rare chance to join at the inflection point where cutting-edge research becomes an early commercial program. You’ll be part of a small, fast-moving, startup-minded team, helping build what could become a future cancer therapy.

What you’ll do:

• Own and independently execute end-to-end in vivo oncology studies from tumor initiation through decision-grade analysis and reporting.
• Partner with the team to design studies and translate study plans into executable protocols.
• Execute and continuously refine a portfolio of in vivo models, including subcutaneous xenografts, orthotopic tumor models, and genetically induced models (including HTVi-initiated systems); establish and qualify new models.
• Perform hands-on mouse work, including tumor engraftment/initiation, dosing (IV, PO, IP, IT), monitoring, tumor measurements, necropsy, and tissue collection with rigorous documentation.
• Run longitudinal readouts such as IVIS bioluminescence imaging and blood sampling; perform terminal procedures, including terminal blood collection and perfusion.
• Lead downstream sample analysis workflows: process tissues for flow cytometry, IHC/IF, or spatial readouts (e.g., seqFISH) and coordinate tasks with the team.
• Conduct basic data and statistical analysis; build clear figures and concise summaries to inform study decisions and next steps.
• Support IACUC protocols and amendments; uphold high standards for animal welfare and EH&S compliance.
• Improve how we operate: upgrade our workflows/SOPs and support mentoring/training.

What qualifications are we looking for?

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences (or related) with 4-8 years relevant in vivo experience, or Master’s degree with 2-6 years relevant in vivo experience
• Strong hands-on in vivo experience, including mouse handling, HTVi, common dosing routes (IV, PO, IT), and endpoint procedures (necropsy, tissue collection).
• Demonstrated ability to build, own, and optimize workflows and SOPs.
• High rigor, strong documentation habits, and attention to detail.
• Familiarity with IACUC protocols and EH&S regulations; commitment to humane animal work.
• Proactive communicator; ownership mindset; collaborative teammate.

Nice to Haves:

• Experience across multiple tumor models (subcutaneous, orthotopic, genetically induced).
• Prior experience in an early-stage startup (<50 employees) or similarly fast-paced R&D environment.
• Experience with IVIS, flow cytometry, IHC/IF, or related sample processing workflows.

We recognize there is no “perfect” candidate. If you’re excited about the role and bring relevant strengths, please apply. We value fast learners and know that curiosity and drive can go a long way. We’re committed to building a diverse team and look forward to learning more about you. The level of the role will be set based on qualifications and prior experience.

Compensation & growth:

Competitive salary and Caltech benefits; compensation commensurate with experience. If the program transitions into a startup and you transition with it, competitive industry salary, benefits, and equity options may be available.

How to apply?

Apply via LinkedIn: upload a single PDF that includes your resume and a brief summary of two end-to-end in vivo studies: (1) the most relevant and (2) the most complex you’ve run. We review applications on a rolling basis.