Our mission is to develop therapies that empower the immune system to combat neurodegeneration and our team is focused on developing treatments for some of the most challenging diseases facing our society. By harnessing advancements in genetics, immunology and neuroscience, we are pioneering the development of potential therapies to counteract the devastating progression of neurodegeneration. We are supported in this mission by experienced and accomplished scientists and clinicians, a novel portfolio of programs, leading healthcare investors, and pharma company partners, who share in our commitment to bettering the lives of patients and realizing a world where we make brain disorders history.
This role is based at Alector’s headquarters in South San Francisco, CA. Regular onsite presence is essential given the combination of hands-on laboratory work, scientific leadership, and close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
We are seeking a Senior Associate Scientist, Bioanalytical Sciences to support bioanalytical assay development and execution across Alector’s nonclinical and clinical programs. You will be a hands-on laboratory scientist responsible for independently developing, optimizing, troubleshooting, and qualifying bioanalytical assays while also managing selected activities performed at external CROs.
You will bring strong experience with ligand-binding assays for pharmacokinetic, immunogenicity and biomarker assessments, including independent, hands-on development of PK, anti-drug antibody (ADA) and/or biomarker assays in biological samples such as CSF, serum/plasma, and tissue lysates. You must also have direct bioanalytical experience supporting a range of therapeutic modalities, such as antibodies, bispecific antibodies, and/or conjugated siRNA/ASOs.
This is an individual-contributor position with no people-management responsibilities. You will work closely with colleagues across Research, Toxicology, Clinical Development, and external partners to generate high-quality bioanalytical data that supports program decisions.
Key Goals & Accountabilities
Independently develop PK, ADA and biomarker assays! Design, develop, optimize, troubleshoot, and qualify ligand-binding assays across biological matrices including CSF, serum/plasma, and tissue lysates.
Support diverse therapeutic modalities! Apply your bioanalytical expertise to antibodies, bispecific antibodies, conjugated siRNAs, and other emerging therapeutic approaches.
Stay hands-on in the laboratory! Plan and execute experiments using platforms such as ELISA and MSD, evaluate assay performance, investigate matrix effects and interference, and deliver reproducible, decision-ready data.
Manage external bioanalytical work! Coordinate assay transfer, validation, sample analysis, troubleshooting, data review, timelines, and study deliverables with CRO partners while maintaining scientific ownership and supporting work conducted in accordance with applicable GLP and regulatory expectations.
Help us work smarter! Integrate innovative technologies—including laboratory automation, AI, and large language models—to accelerate assay development, improve quality, and use resources more effectively!
Required Qualifications
BS in Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Immunology, or a related scientific discipline with 5+ years of relevant biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience, or an MS in a related scientific discipline with 3+ years of relevant industry experience.Demonstrated ability to independently develop PK, ADA and/or biomarker assays in biological samples including CSF, serum/plasma, and tissue lysates. You have hands-on experience designing, developing, optimizing, troubleshooting, and qualifying assays rather than only executing established methods.
Direct bioanalytical experience supporting therapeutic modalities such as antibodies, bispecific antibodies, and/or conjugated siRNA is required.
Strong hands-on experience with ligand-binding assay platforms such as ELISA and MSD, including evaluation of sensitivity, selectivity, precision, matrix effects, drug tolerance, and assay interference.
Experience authoring and reviewing bioanalytical method protocols, qualification and validation plans, SOPs, data summaries, and technical reports.
Strong knowledge of GLP requirements and regulatory guidance from FDA, ICH, and EMA related to bioanalytical assay development, qualification, and validation.
Experience working with external CROs on assay transfer, validation, sample analysis, troubleshooting, and data review; strong experimental documentation and communication skills; and active use of large language models with a strong interest in evolving AI
Preferred Qualifications
Experience developing neutralizing antibody assays or other immunogenicity assessments.
Experience supporting regulated bioanalytical method validation and sample analysis.
Experience with automated liquid- or sample-handling platforms such as Agilent Bravo, Hamilton or Tecan.
Experience in Gyrolab and fit-for-purpose biomarker assay qualification
Experience with Benchling, Watson LIMS, Graphpad Prism, Softmax Pro or comparable electronic laboratory and bioanalytical data systems.
Experience introducing new assay technologies, automation, or data-analysis approaches into laboratory workflows.
Collaboration
You will partner closely with colleagues across Research, Toxicology, Clinical Development, and other multidisciplinary teams. We expect you to communicate experimental results, assay limitations, risks, and recommendations clearly. We share knowledge openly, solve problems together, and adapt quickly as program needs evolve.
