Research Associate I/II, Preclinical Research (Contract)

Role Summary The Research Associate I/II will support Lexeo’s human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocyte (iPSC-CM) platform, a core in vitro system used to evaluate target engagement, mechanism of action, and potency across discovery and preclinical programs. This hands-on laboratory role will execute established cellular and molecular assays, contribute to assay development, and generate high-quality data. The position reports to the Head of Cardiac Research and receives day-to-day scientific direction from the Preclinical Scientist leading the platform. This is an exciting opportunity to join a cutting-edge drug discovery team advancing new therapies for patients with genetic heart disease while gaining valuable experiences for a future career in biotech and medicine

Primary Responsibilities

Generate and validate cellular knockdown and overexpression models

Culture and maintain human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes and other mammalian cell lines using aseptic technique

Perform ddPCR, qPCR, conventional PCR, gel electrophoresis, Western blotting, and ELISA to support mechanism-of-action and target-validation studies

Maintain complete and accurate laboratory records and contribute to the development and revision of assay SOPs

Analyze experimental data and prepare concise summaries for Preclinical team

Required Skills and Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in cell biology, molecular biology, pharmacology, or a related field with 1-3 years of industry and/or academic lab experience

Hands-on experience culturing iPSC and differentiation protocols for cardiomyocytes/neurons

Hands-on experience with cellular transfection methods

Experience with several of the following methods: ddPCR, qPCR, semi-quantitative PCR, Western blotting, ELISA, flow cytometry, and fluorescence microscopy

Strong laboratory skills, rigorous record-keeping, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment

Ability to work onsite 5 days/week at our New York City HQ

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

Prior experience in an in vitro pharmacology group within the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry

Experience with high-throughput screening platforms, automation and workflows

Experience with the Jess automated Western blotting platform

Experience with TR-FRET, NanoBiT, FLIPR, or MEA assays

Familiarity with engineered heart tissue models and cardiac biology

Familiarity with AI-native, agentic lab-in-the-loop workflows connecting experimental design, automated execution, real-time data analysis, and iterative decision-making

Demonstrated ability to generate, document, and communicate high-quality experimental results; publications or patents are a plus

About LEXEO Lexeo Therapeutics is a New York City-based, clinical stage company dedicated to reshaping the path of genetic disease. By advancing pioneering science, Lexeo seeks to set a new standard in the treatment of cardiovascular and neurological genetic diseases, charting the path to patient outcomes once thought out of reach. The Company is advancing a portfolio of therapeutic candidates designed to address the underlying genetic causes of disease, including LX2006 for Friedreich ataxia (FA), LX2020 for plakophilin-2 (PKP2) arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, and others in devastating diseases with high unmet need. LEXEO Therapeutics is an EEO employer committed to an exciting, diverse, and enriching work environment.