(Sr) Associate Scientist

About Aura:

At Aura, our mission is to develop a new class of oncology targeted therapies that deliver meaningful therapeutic benefit to a range of cancer indications with high unmet need in which we believe we can establish a new standard of care. We are driven by our passion and commitment to science and the patients battling cancer who are relying on us to pioneer these new therapies.

We are focusing the initial development of our VDC technology platform to treat tumors of high unmet need in ocular and urologic oncology. AU-011, our first VDC candidate, is being developed for the first line treatment of primary choroidal melanoma, a rare disease with no drugs approved. Beyond primary choroidal melanoma, we are developing AU-011 in additional ocular oncology indications, including choroidal metastases. Leveraging our VDCs’ broad tumor targeting capabilities, we also plan to initiate a clinical program in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, or NMIBC, our first non-ophthalmic solid tumor indication.

Position Summary:

The (Sr) Associate Scientist will contribute to the execution of Analytical Development (AD) objectives towards meeting Aura Biosciences’ business goal and its efforts to develop safe and effective therapies using virus-like particle (VLP)-based technologies. This role is expected to spend >80% at the bench.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Performing spectrophotometric, chromatographic and ELISA based assays, gel electrophoresis etc.
• Familiarity with analytical methodologies relevant to qualitative and quantitative characterization of biologics (e.g., HPLC, UV/Vis, PCR, ELISA, SPR, Octet, NTA, DLS, flow imaging, etc.).
• Testing batch samples, troubleshooting analytical method.
• Perform data trending and analysis using logistic fitting methods, including software for statistical analysis and presentation.
• Recording all data in electronic lab notebooks following good laboratory practices.

• Author technical protocols and reports, assay summaries, study design and protocols, SOPs, etc. as required.
• Ensure accurate and complete documentation of any scientific experimental plan, generated data, and report.
• Establish and maintain familiarity with contemporary industrial standards, practices, technologies, literature, and ways of performing lab studies.

Minimum Requirements:

Knowledge, Skills & Capabilities:

• Understanding and hands-on experience in one or more of the following areas with biological molecules are required: ELISA, gel electrophoresis, chromatography (LC-based), spectroscopy (UV/Vis), binding affinity (SPR, Flow cytometry, Octet, etc.), particle analysis (NTA, DLS, flow imaging, etc.)
• Fundamental understanding of method development, qualification and transfer of analytical methods
• Strong communication, critical thinking, technical writing, and problem-solving skills
• Some working knowledge of statistical methods for data analysis (e.g., JMP) is a plus.
• Problem solving ability for issues related to analytical development and sample testing.
• Ability to draft accurate protocols/reports.
• Ability to manage priorities and engage/communicate across development teams and meet deadlines within a challenging timeline.
• For Senior Associate: Ability to function independently or under minimal supervision.

Education & Relevant Work Experience:

• A BSc degree in a relevant scientific discipline e.g., Analytical Chemistry/Biochemistry, or MSc or BSc with 2+ years of biotech industry experience for senior position.
• Experience in handling and testing of protein samples for biological drugs. Experience or familiarity with drug conjugates, viral particles would be a plus.