Associate

$19.25-$20.70 per hour

Thousand Oaks, CA

Contract

Duration: 36 months contract

Shift: Standard daytime business hours, approximately 8 AM-5 PM, with flexibility for earlier or later start times based on project needs.

Job Description:

• The hiring manager is seeking an entry-level laboratory associate with foundational molecular biology knowledge, hands-on laboratory experience, and a genuine interest in developing a long-term scientific career.

• A bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field is preferred, and experience gained through academic research, internships, or industry is acceptable.

• The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organized, scientifically curious, and comfortable supporting high-volume DNA sample processing, sample tracking, and automated laboratory workflows.

• Strong communication, adaptability, and the ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining accurate documentation are essential.

• The manager values candidates who understand the reasoning behind laboratory procedures, demonstrate learning agility, and are eager to grow professionally.

Responsibilities:

• As a member of the NGS team, you will support next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflows while providing cross-functional laboratory support for maintenance of yeast cultures.

• You will prepare, quality-check, and troubleshoot sequencing libraries; support sequencing runs; and maintain accurate sample and project records.

• This is a hands-on role for someone with a strong foundation in molecular biology and cell culture who is eager to learn new techniques and contribute to a collaborative, fast-paced laboratory environment.

• Perform routine molecular biology techniques, including accurate pipetting, PCR, DNA cleanup, and bead-based purification.

• Prepare sequencing libraries and develop an understanding of the library preparation process.

• Assess DNA and library quality using DNA quantification methods and TapeStation or gel-based analysis, including evaluation of library size.

• Support sequencing workflows by preparing and loading samples onto sequencing instruments and developing an understanding of core NGS concepts.

• Follow procedures to prevent sample mix-ups and cross-contamination; recognize unexpected results, document observations, and escalate issues appropriately.

• Maintain accurate sample identification, project and sample tracking, and electronic laboratory notebook records in a timely manner. Use tools such as Benchling, Excel, or other electronic tracking systems as needed.

• Perform yeast cell culture or other cell culture activities as needed, using appropriate aseptic technique.

• Maintain and operate laboratory equipment, perform routine setup and care, and report maintenance issues.

• Work with laboratory automation and robotics as needed. Prior experience is not required, but interest in learning is encouraged.

• Follow written procedures and safety requirements, complete assigned training, and maintain an organized work area.

• Prioritize work across multiple samples and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and reliability.

Skills:

• The ideal candidate has a solid foundation in molecular biology and can learn new laboratory methods on the job.

• They are detail-oriented, organized, and dependable, with strong communication skills and the ability to stay calm while managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

• They take initiative, ask questions when instructions or results are unclear, and work collaboratively with colleagues and across teams.

• Experience with NGS, library preparation, DNA quantification, TapeStation or gel analysis, cell culture, sample tracking, or laboratory automation is beneficial.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree OR

• Associates degree and 2 years of experience OR

• High school diploma / GED and 4 years of experience

Must Have Skill Sets:

• Scientific acumen and critical thinking: Look for research or coursework showing that the candidate understood the purpose of an experiment, followed a method, analyzed results, and drew evidence-based conclusions. Experience with molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, biochemistry, or sequencing is especially relevant.

• Efficient, detail-oriented execution: Look for examples of completing hands-on work accurately while managing multiple samples, experiments, or deadlines. Experience with repetitive protocols, high sample volumes, careful recordkeeping, or meeting time-sensitive project milestones can suggest readiness for a fast-paced lab.

• Learning agility and initiative: Look for examples of learning a new technique or instrument, troubleshooting an unexpected result, taking ownership of a project, or contributing beyond assigned tasks. These are useful indicators that the candidate can grow into NGS, cell culture, and automation workflows.

Day to Day Responsibilities:

• Coordinate the receipt, organization, tracking, and prioritization of incoming samples.

• Prepare sequencing libraries and perform quality-control checks.

• Review quality-control and sequencing reports, flagging results or issues for follow-up.

• Document experiments, procedures, and results accurately and promptly in electronic laboratory notebooks.

• Use laboratory automation and robotics to support sample processing and other workflows.

• Maintain cell cultures and complete related laboratory tasks.

• Communicate and coordinate with across teams to support shared projects.

• Attend project meetings to stay current on incoming work, priorities, and timelines.

• Maintain an organized laboratory and assist with general lab upkeep as needed.

• Expected accomplishments and measures of success:

• The worker is expected to provide accurate, timely sample-processing and sequencing-library support across teams. They will maintain complete sample and notebook records, review reports, flag issues, and take on trained tasks with increasing independence.

• Success will be measured by whether the worker:

• Completes assigned work accurately and within agreed timelines.

• Maintains complete records and communicates or escalates issues promptly.

• Collaborates effectively with NGS and TED teams.

• Learns assigned procedures and performs routine tasks with increasing independence.

About US Tech Solutions:

US Tech Solutions is a global staff augmentation firm providing a wide range of talent on-demand and total workforce solutions. To know more about US Tech Solutions, please visit .

"US Tech Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran"

AI Statement: By applying, you acknowledge that AI-assisted tools may be used during hiring.

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