About K2

K2 is an exciting new biotech company with research labs in South San Francisco. K2 uses powerful synthetic biology and directed evolution technologies developed in the labs of our founders Mo Khalil and Chang Liu to develop compelling new therapies for a range of diseases. Position Summary: We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Research Associate or Senior Research Associate to join our Protein Science team. We are looking for someone who thrives in a lab setting, is passionate about generating high-quality data, and is eager to gain hands-on experience in therapeutic development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Execute established laboratory scale protein production processes using transient and stable expression systems

• Use Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) to titer productions and analyze protein yields

• Analyze SPR assays to determine kinetic parameters for antibodies of interest and to inform protein engineering decisions

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance Research projects and therapeutic programs

• Troubleshoot, optimize, and develop protein production processes

• Record experimental details and in process results in a timely manner

Requirements:

• BS/MS in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field

• The ideal candidate will have 2 or more years of laboratory experience, including protein expression and SPR binding kinetics

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Excellent communication and teamwork skills

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Additional Requirements for Senior Research Associate:

• 3–5+ years of relevant experience.

• Proven track record of independently designing and executing experiments.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and communicate priorities effectively across teams.

Nice-to-Haves:

• Experience with cell line development and upstream process optimization

• Familiarity with biophysical characterization techniques