Senior Research Associate, Preclinical Pharmacology
Run in vivo studies that move Nurix's degrader programs toward the clinic. You'll execute mouse efficacy, PK/PD, and mechanism-of-action studies in oncology and inflammation models and generate the Western blot and flow cytometry data that show how our molecules work.
Position Description
The Opportunity
- Join the Research – Preclinical Pharmacology team as a full-time, onsite, hands-on member, reporting to a Scientist / Principal Scientist, Preclinical Pharmacology
- Perform mouse handling and in-life procedures, including dosing by oral (PO), intraperitoneal (IP), subcutaneous (SC), and intravenous (IV) routes, tumor cell implantation, tumor and body-weight measurements, and in-life and terminal blood collection
- Execute PK/PD, tolerability, and efficacy studies in oncology xenograft/syngeneic models and in murine models of inflammation, under the direction of study leads
- Prepare and formulate test articles and vehicles for dosing; monitor animal health, document observations, and escalate adverse events promptly
- Perform necropsy and collect, process, and bank tissues and blood for downstream biomarker and pharmacodynamic analyses
- Prepare tissue and cell lysates and perform Western blotting (including quantitative and automated capillary formats) to measure target degradation and pathway modulation
- Develop, run, and analyze multi-color flow cytometry panels for immune and tumor-cell phenotyping from blood, spleen, tumor, and other tissues
- Maintain and expand cell lines using sterile cell culture technique; support cell-based assays and the generation of cells for in vivo implantation
- Record experiments accurately and in a timely manner in the electronic lab notebook; analyze, graph, and summarize data and present results at team meetings
- Collaborate with Biology, Chemistry, DMPK, and Translational teams to design studies and troubleshoot models and assays
- Adhere to IACUC protocols, animal welfare regulations, and laboratory safety requirements, and maintain required training and certifications
- Contribute to the optimization and qualification of new models and assays and to the training of junior team members
- Maintain laboratory equipment and supplies and support vivarium coordination, including occasional weekend or off-shift study coverage; other essential duties as assigned; minimal travel (<5%)
What You’ll Bring
- BS/MS in Biology, Pharmacology, Immunology, Cancer Biology, or a related field, with a BS or equivalent plus 8 or more years of relevant experience, or an MS plus 4 or more years of relevant experience
- Industry (biotech or pharma) experience conducting in vivo pharmacology studies in mice
- Proficiency in mouse handling and dosing by PO, IP, SC, and IV routes, as well as blood collection and tissue harvest
- Hands-on experience with oncology models (e.g., xenograft, syngeneic) and with murine models of inflammation or immunology
- Demonstrated proficiency in Western blotting and flow cytometry, including sample preparation, staining, and data analysis
- Proficiency in sterile mammalian cell culture technique
- Working knowledge of IACUC regulations and humane animal care practices
- Strong organizational and documentation skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple studies simultaneously
- Collaborative, adaptable, and comfortable in a fast-paced, team-oriented research environment
- Ability to work in an animal facility and tolerate exposure to laboratory animals, and to work occasional weekends or off-shift hours as studies require
- Bonus: experience with targeted protein degradation (molecular glues, PROTACs) or other small-molecule oncology or immunology programs
- Bonus: experience with multi-spectral flow cytometry, automated Western (e.g., Jess/Wes), ELISA, or MSD cytokine/biomarker assays
- Bonus: experience with orthotopic, disseminated, PDX, or humanized mouse models, or with in vivo imaging
- Bonus: experience with inflammation models such as collagen-induced arthritis, colitis, or cytokine-challenge models
- Bonus: familiarity with PK/PD relationships, compound formulation, and dose-response study design
- Bonus: proficiency with GraphPad Prism and electronic lab notebook systems
Salary Range: $131,400 - $139,900
The posted range applies to roles based in the San Francisco Bay Area and reflects local market conditions. Where an offer lands within that range depends on the candidate’s relevant experience, technical expertise, and how their background aligns with the role’s requirements.
Location: Onsite – Brisbane, CA
Fit with Nurix Culture and Values
- Strong team orientation; highly collaborative
- Solutions and results-oriented focus
- Hands-on approach; resourceful and open to diverse points of view
About Nurix Therapeutics
Nurix Therapeutics is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of targeted protein degradation medicines, the next frontier in innovative drug design aimed at improving treatment options for patients with cancer and inflammatory diseases. Powered by a fully AI-integrated discovery engine capable of tackling any protein class, and coupled with unparalleled ligase expertise, Nurix’s dedicated team has built a formidable advantage in translating the science of targeted protein degradation into clinical advancements. Nurix aims to establish degrader-based treatments at the forefront of patient care, writing medicine’s next chapter with a new script to outmatch disease.