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.