Who We Are
Arda is targeting cells to treat disease. We are taking aim at chronic diseases and aging by eliminating the pathogenic cells that drive these conditions.
A new approach to old diseases
Cells are the functional units of life, but they are also the functional units of disease. Many diseases are caused by certain cell populations becoming too abundant or active; for example, the overgrowth of stromal cell types contributes to fibrosis, while the excessive activation of particular immune cells leads to chronic inflammation. Arda’s hypothesis is that removing these cells will delay or reverse disease progression.
Our approach starts by using single-cell data to identify pathogenic cells and specific markers to target them. We then design therapies to eliminate these - and only these - cells. We are initially focused on treating chronic diseases, with the long-term goal of extending healthy lifespan. Our mission is clear, our commitment is strong, and our expectations are high. Come build with us!
The Role
Your mission as a Research Associate/Senior Research Associate is to turn ideas into data. Specifically, you will move Arda's pipeline from the world of bits to the world of microliters by experimentally validating computationally-predicted targets and characterizing their corresponding therapeutic antibodies. Your input will be essential to Arda's strategy, process, and culture. The experience you gain in this role is a rare commodity that will establish you as an operator and builder.
Beyond exciting science, you’ll have enough equity to be a true stakeholder in the company, a competitive salary and benefits, a flexible time off policy so you can be at your best while you’re working, and enthusiastic support from the other members of our inclusive, world-class team.
In this role, you will:
- Execute laboratory protocols involving flow cytometry, therapeutic antibody binding and function, viral vector transductions, cell line creation and characterization, routine cell culture.
- Generate clear, comprehensive data packages that inform decision making
- Continually improve Arda's experimental workflows
Qualifications
- You have earned a Bachelor or Master degree in biological sciences or related discipline, with at least 2 years of experience working in industry
- Your wet lab experience includes many of the techniques and tools listed above (molecular biology, PCR, RT-qPCR, FACS, western blot, microscopy, CTG assays, reporter assays) and a passion for generating data.
- A strong desire to learn new things and contribute to the positive culture we are building at Arda Therapeutics
- Nice-to-have: Experience with cell based assays related to therapeutic antibodies (ADC, Fc effector enhanced, T-cell engager) such as binding, ADCC, ADCP, CDC, internalization, cytotoxicity.
- Experience with data analysis tools such as FlowJo and GraphPad Prism and electronic notebooks such as Benchling
What we value
- Rigor. Decisions are based on data. Persuasive arguments are built from evidence and logic, not from authority or wishful thinking. Truth is paramount.
- Impact. We measure outputs, not inputs. In other words, we’re more interested in what you achieve than how long you spend doing it. We think carefully about where to put our goalposts, and once placed, we drive toward them with zeal. Value comes from what you contribute, not just what’s on your resume.
- Realistic Optimism. We approach our work with a positive, can-do attitude, ready to tackle any challenge with enthusiasm. At the same time, we're clear-eyed about the obstacles we face. We don’t sugarcoat the difficulties ahead, but instead, we harness our optimism to fuel creative solutions and keep moving forward. We believe in our ability to make a difference, while staying grounded in the reality of the tasks at hand.
- Information Flow. Information is as crucial to us as blood is to the body—it needs to flow freely or things start to go wrong. We actively promote a high information accessibility culture; our default is to make each piece of business and scientific information accessible to everyone at the company. People make better decisions and find more fulfillment in their work when they have context, and we pride ourselves on both our dedication to transparency and our commitment to recording and organizing information so that it can be understood and used by others.
- Adaptability. We jump in where we’re needed, not just where we’re assigned. Flexibility is our superpower - whether it’s our job on paper or not, we’re all about tackling challenges together. We mix skills, swap hats, and get stuff done, and strengthen our team one solution at a time.
- Grit. Doing science means being wrong, a lot. We value progress over perfection, embracing challenges as an opportunity for growth. Our resilience is fortified by continuous, purposeful efforts to enhance our skills and knowledge. We persevere.
