---
title: 'Research Associate-II/Senior Research Associate, Histology at SonoThera'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/research-associate-ii-senior-research-associate-histology-sonothera-south-san-4qsbtwmjm5w1'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-13'
---

# Research Associate-II/Senior Research Associate, Histology at SonoThera

- **Company:** SonoThera
- **Location:** South San Francisco, CA
- **Posted:** 2026-08-21
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-13
- **Apply:** https://sonothera.com/careers/?gh_jid=4707270006

## Job description

About SonoThera:

SonoThera is a venture-backed genetic medicine company advancing ultrasound-mediated, non-viral targeted therapies to unlock the full potential of genetic medicines. Our platform is designed to overcome key limitations in the field, enabling precise, redosable delivery across a broad range of diseases with high unmet need. Headquartered in South San Francisco, SonoThera brings together a world-class, interdisciplinary team focused on translating breakthrough science into transformative therapies.

The Role:

The Bioanalytical group at SonoThera is seeking to hire an enthusiastic (Senior) Research Associate to support gene therapy drug development by performing histological procedures. We seek candidates who think critically and have the desire and ability to learn new techniques. This position requires adaptability and an ability to perform at a high level in a fast-paced environment. This position is 100% on-site and requires working from the office Monday through Friday. The role reports to the Sr. Director, Vivarium Operations & Bioanalytics.

What You Will Do:

In this position, you will play an integral role in histology analysis by preparing and evaluating biological tissue samples that support biomarker assessment and gene therapy programs. You will partner with teams across the organization to receive mouse, rat, and NHP tissue samples and to:

- Process, embed, and section FFPE and fresh frozen tissue samples.
- Perform routine and specialized staining, including H&E, PAS, Trichrome, ISH, IHC, and IF.
- Image stained slides and support qualitative and quantitative assessment of results.
- Track sample accessioning, inventory, and chain of custody in the electronic lab notebook.
- Document methods and results in SOPs and study records, and contribute to assay optimization.

What You Will Bring:

Technical Requirements & Skills:

- Advanced proficiency in FFPE tissue processing, embedding and sectioning and in mounting and cryosectioning of fresh frozen samples for a variety of tissues and species.
- Experience preparing slides for DNA and RNA analysis (RNAscope, Visium, etc.) is a plus.
- Experience performing routine stains such as H&E, PAS, and Masson’s Trichrome
- Experience performing specialized stains such as IHC and ISH using autostainers such as Leica Bond RX, Ventana or similar. Optimizing antibodies for IHC/IF is a plus.
- Experience using imaging platforms such as VS200, 3dhistec P150/P250, Aperio Imagescope, Revolve or similar
- Experience using image analysis platforms such as HALO, Visiopharm or similar is a plus
- Training or hands-on experience in sample management workflows.
- Exceptional organizational skills including SOP documentation and record-keeping using ELN platforms such as Benchling.
- Demonstrated commitment to laboratory safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s degree in biology, biomedical science, or a related field, with at least 2 years of relevant laboratory experience.
- Strong communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Industry experience preferred.

Compensation:

The salary range for this position is $96, 000 to $116, 000 USD per year. This annual salary range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on various factors, including, without limitation, individual education, experience, tenure, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data, including potential adjustments for geographic location.

Benefits:

We offer our employees a comprehensive benefits package.

At SonoThera, we'll give you the tools to feel healthy, happy and secure.

🏋🏻 Access to a 24-hour onsite gym

💝 Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision

💰 Equity and ownership in a fast-growing company

🚗 Commuting stipend based on your geographical location

🏦 401(k) Match: SonoThera offers a company match

🏝 All full-time employees are eligible for our flexible time off policy

## Equal Opportunity for Diversity & Inclusion

SonoThera provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

## About SonoThera

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: SonoThera is developing a proprietary, nonviral, ultrasound-mediated gene delivery platform (RIPPLE™) to enable safe, redosable, and targeted genetic medicines for a range of diseases.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Series B)
- **Headquarters**: South San Francisco, California, United States
- **Founded**: 2022 (public launch with Series A)
- **Founders**: Kenneth Greenberg, PhD (CEO & Co-Founder) and Steve Feinstein, MD (CSO & Co-Founder)

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Biotechnology – Genetic Medicines / Gene Therapy
- **Target customers**: B2B (pharma/biotech partnerships), clinical-stage drug developer; ultimately patients with genetic diseases
- **Mission**: To deliver the next generation of genetic medicines to treat the root cause of human diseases.

## Products & Services
- **RIPPLE™ Platform**: Proprietary, non-invasive, ultrasound-mediated delivery technology that enables broad, targeted biodistribution, delivery of diverse genetic payloads (DNA, RNA, siRNA, ASOs, gene editors) without size restriction, and is designed to be redosable, immune stealth, and cost-effective.
- **Therapeutic Pipeline**: Preclinical programs targeting:
  - Muscle: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophies (LGMD)
  - Kidney: X-linked Alport Syndrome (x-LAS), Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD)
  - Discovery: Genetic diseases of the heart, adipose tissue, and brain (CNS)

## Market Standing
- **Valuation / Latest Financing**: Closed an oversubscribed **$125 million Series B** (date not specified but recent, likely 2025). Previously raised a **$60.75 million Series A** (December 2022, led by ARCH Venture Partners).
- **Total Funding to Date**: At least **$185.75 million** (Series A + Series B). Additional founding capital may exist but not fully detailed.
- **Notable Investors**: Series A led by **ARCH Venture Partners**; the Series B syndicate is described as top-tier venture capital and strategic investors (specific names not fully listed, but includes leading global ultrasound companies as partners).
- **Growth Signals**: 
  - Headcount grew **28.6% YoY** to **52 employees** (LinkedIn data).
  - Full vertical integration of payload development and in vivo pharmacology.
  - Strong intellectual property portfolio with foundational RIPPLE™ patents.
  - First human clinical trial planned for **2027**, with a steady cadence of INDs following.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Nonviral delivery**: Avoids immunogenicity and material-related toxicity of AAVs and LNPs.
- **Redosable**: Maintains stable therapeutic expression over time, overcoming a major limitation of viral vectors.
- **Unlimited payload size**: Can deliver large gene constructs (e.g., full-length dystrophin for DMD).
- **Targeted biodistribution**: Ultrasound profiles enable delivery to nearly any organ with minimal off-target effects.
- **Cost-effective CMC**: Simpler manufacturing compared to viral vectors.
- **Proven safety foundation**: Co-founder Dr. Feinstein invented the first two FDA-approved ultrasound microbubble agents (Albunex® and Optison®).

## Strategic Focus
- Advance the RIPPLE™ platform toward clinical proof-of-concept, beginning with **first-in-human trial in 2027**.
- Expand pipeline across multiple organ systems (muscle, kidney, liver, heart, CNS).
- Continue building in-house capabilities for payload design, engineering, and manufacturing.
- Attract strategic partnerships with leading ultrasound companies and biopharma.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: Values-driven environment emphasizing resilience, rigor, passion, open-mindedness, collaboration, and innovation. The company states “science is hard, but we are determined to persevere” and “we act with urgency because patients are waiting.”
- **Team & Environment**: Small but rapidly growing team (~50 people) offering high ownership and impact. Described as “a great place to do science” with top-quality peers.
- **Work Policy**: Not explicitly stated; likely lab-based roles in South San Francisco with potential for hybrid office/lab arrangements.
- **Perks & Highlights**: Opportunity to work on cutting-edge genetic medicine technology with a well-funded, well-backed startup; close collaboration across research, operations, and leadership.
- **Current Openings**: 3 active roles (Nucleic Acid Analytics Intern, Executive Assistant, Senior/Principal Scientist) as of the latest data.

## Sources
1. [SonoThera Website](https://sonothera.com)
2. [SonoThera Careers Page](https://sonothera.com/careers/)
3. [SonoThera About & History](https://sonothera.com/about-us/)
4. [SonoThera Science & Pipeline](https://sonothera.com/science/)
5. [SonoThera LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/company/sonothera)

## Other roles at SonoThera

- [Associate Director, Quality](https://feeny.ai/job/associate-director-quality-sonothera-south-san-francisco-53hc59gar7nx) — South San Francisco, CA