Associate Researcher

Position Title: Research Associate

Work Location: South San Francisco, CA 94080

Assignment Duration: 12 Months

Position Summary: The contractor Research Associate will work closely with the Analytical Development team in the Tech Dev department to help methods development and test samples utilizing PCR, ELISA, Gel Electrophoresis, cell-based and other assays; as well as to contribute to design and performing experiments with supervision as needed; complete assigned tasks within time frames with high quality; maintain a well-documented record of activities in ELN and reports. Additionally, the role includes regularly summarizing and presenting experimental results in meetings and participating in report writing.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize and execute analytical assays for proteins, DNA, adeno associated viral (AAV) nanoparticles and related cell-based assay.
• Perform routine testing using established SOPs and applicable regulatory guidelines, including but not limited to ddPCR/qPCR, ELISA, and mammalian cell-based assays.
• Support assay transfer to internal partners (QC, testing, and research teams), including documentation, troubleshooting, and method comparability.
• Analyze experimental data, assess data quality, and determine applicability to project goals; draw conclusions and make data-driven recommendations. • Author, review, and revise experimental procedures, protocols, and technical reports.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant records of all analytical development activities in laboratory notebooks and data systems.
• Contribute to a collaborative laboratory environment by sharing technical insights, supporting cross-functional projects, and continuously improving workflows.

Qualification & Experience

• B.S. in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline, with 1+ years of industry experience in pharmaceutical or biotechnology settings.
• Demonstrated proficiency with mammalian cell-based assays and PCR-based assays (qPCR, ddPCR) • Hands-on experience performing quantitative assays (e.g. ELISA), for the characterization of proteins, nucleic acids, viruses or other biological products.
• Strong hands-on experience with sterile technique and mammalian cell culture, including cell maintenance, expansion, characterization, and banking.
• Working knowledge of core molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA/protein isolation, cDNA synthesis, RT-PCR, qPCR, digital PCR).
• Ability to independently plan, execute, and document experiments, while thriving in a collaborative, fast-paced team environment.
• Strong analytical thinking with attention to detail and a commitment to generating high-quality, reproducible data.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot assays and propose experimental improvements. Comfort with interpreting unexpected results and recommending next steps.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly present technical data to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard data analysis and documentation tools.

Preferred Skills

• Experience working with Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV)
• Experience in analytical method development and assay transfer
• Experience in basic statistical analysis