About the Role
We’re looking for a Research Associate to help drive aptamer discovery and early-stage biosensor R&D at Level Zero. Working closely with R&D and sensor design leadership, you’ll run SELEX campaigns for small-molecule targets, execute core wet-lab workflows (affinity chromatography, qPCR, gels, nucleic acid purification, NGS), and combine experimental rigor with oligo design and bioinformatic analysis to identify and validate top aptamer candidates.
Responsibilities
- Conduct SELEX experiments for small molecule targets to identify new aptamers, involving wet lab bio/chem processes including affinity chromatography, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, nucleic acid purification, and next-gen sequencing.
- Conduct nucleic acid oligo design and bioinformatic analyses to identify aptamer candidates.
- Validate aptamer binding using methods such as Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC), Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR), plate-based fluorescence assay, melt curve analysis and other methods.
- Contribute to early-stage R&D, and collaborate with sensor design leadership to define and refine future directions.
Requirements
- A Bachelors degree or higher with at least 2 years of industry experience (full-time wet lab).
- Proficiency in molecular biology and chemistry lab workflows such as affinity chromatography, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, nucleic acid purification, and binding assays.
- Knowledge or experience in the handling and study of hydrophobic compounds (e.g., hormones), the handling and study of bio-fluids, and the development of simulated bio-fluid model solutions, biosensing principles.
- Bioinformatics experience, Bash, Python, R languages, next-gen seq data processing, sequence motif analysis, nucleic acid 2D-prediction, or nucleic acid design (e.g., primer design).
- Knowledge or experience next-gen sequencing and Illumina systems, nucleic acid synthesis and purification.
- Knowledge or experience with biophysical characterization, ITC, SPR, CD spectroscopy, biosensing, fluorescence characterization approaches, or macromolecular structural characterization using NMR, SAXS, docking or MD simulations.
- Prior work in a start-up or small company environment.
Skills
- SELEX
- Aptamer Discovery
- Biosensor R&D
- Small-molecule targets
- Wet-lab workflows
- Affinity Chromatography
- qPCR
- Gel Electrophoresis
- Nucleic Acid Purification
- NGS
- Oligo Design
- Bioinformatic Analysis
- Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC)
- Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR)
- Plate-based fluorescence assay
- Melt curve analysis
- Hydrophobic compounds
- Bio-fluids
- Biosensing principles
- Bash
- Python
- R languages
- Next-gen seq data processing
- Sequence motif analysis
- Nucleic acid 2D-prediction
- Nucleic acid design
- Illumina systems
- Nucleic acid synthesis
- Biophysical characterization
- CD spectroscopy
- Fluorescence characterization
- NMR
- SAXS
- Docking
- MD simulations
Location
- New York
Work Type
- Full-time
Experience Level
- At least 2 years of industry experience (full-time wet lab)
Education Level
- Bachelors degree or higher
Salary/Compensations
- Competitive salary and equity options
Benefits
- Equity options
- Opportunity to collaborate directly with the founding team
- Access to industry experts and thought leaders
- Opportunities for leadership and career advancement
- Travel to New York and other potential sites for R&D purposes
About the Company
- Level Zero is pioneering next-generation biosensor technology for precise, real-time monitoring of critical endocrine biomarkers.
- Recognised as one of the top 20 startups across all categories worldwide at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 - and backed by top-tier organisations like SOSV and Entrepreneur First - we’re pushing the boundaries of biochemistry and nanotechnology to revolutionize personalised health.
- Founded by two seasoned engineers, we bring extensive experience in R&D, technical innovation, and commercial strategy to transform the way people monitor their health.
- Our mission is bold: to revolutionise health management by delivering clinical-grade data directly to individuals, wherever they are.
- We’re seeking driven innovators to join us in pushing the boundaries of biosensing and health tech, making personalised health monitoring a reality for everyone.
- To achieve this ambitious vision, we’re assembling the best team in the world - dedicated to turning cutting-edge science into life-changing, real-world solutions.
Equal Opportunity
- We value culture as much as we value technical expertise, creating an environment that’s equal parts collaboration, curiosity, and fun.
- We’re a fast-paced, mission-driven young team on a quest to make a lasting impact, fueled by uncompromising integrity, unwavering support for one another, and the thrill of exploring uncharted territories.
- Our passion for excellence drives everything we do, and we welcome individuals who share our commitment to shaping the future.
- You live and breathe integrity, tackling challenges with honesty and transparency.
- You’re a self-starter who loves diving into the unknown, collaborating on complex problems, and taking full ownership of results.
- You excel at open, clear communication and see every piece of feedback as a springboard for growth—especially in a science and data-focused environment.
- You’re motivated by creating real impact, particularly when it comes to advancing human health.
- You strike a balance between independence and collaboration, knowing when to seek support or invite others to join in.
- You’re confident in defending your ideas, while also valuing respectful, constructive debate as a path to better solutions.
- You thrive in the dynamic atmosphere of a startup, constantly evolving your skill set and fearlessly applying what you learn.
