Research Associate I

Research Associate I

Our client, a world leader in Biotechnology and Pharma, is seeking a "Research Associate I" based at Foster City, CA. Responsibilities: Our client, a leading biotechnology company focused on developing next-generation cell therapies, is seeking a Research Associate – Automation & Flow Cytometry to join its growing research team. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career scientist with experience in cell culture, flow cytometry, and laboratory automation to contribute to cutting-edge cell therapy development. The ideal candidate will support automation workflows, maintain flow cytometry instrumentation, perform mammalian cell culture, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to generate high-quality experimental data.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and optimize automated workflows to support high-throughput cell-based assays.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory automation platforms, including liquid handling systems such as Bravo, Assist Plus, and Mantis.
• Perform routine quality control (QC), calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of flow cytometry instruments.
• Conduct aseptic mammalian cell culture of both adherent and suspension cell lines.
• Execute laboratory experiments following established protocols and document results accurately.
• Collaborate with scientists and cross-functional teams to achieve research milestones and project objectives.
• Manage laboratory inventory, cell line inventory, reagents, consumables, and equipment.
• Maintain accurate experimental records using Benchling, Microsoft Office, and other laboratory software.
• Analyze experimental data and present findings during team meetings.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety procedures and established scientific best practices.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, or a related life sciences discipline with 6 months to 1 year of laboratory experience, OR
• Master's degree in a related scientific field with no prior industry experience required.
• Basic understanding of laboratory automation systems and liquid handling platforms.
• Fundamental knowledge of flow cytometry principles and applications.
• Hands-on experience performing aseptic mammalian cell culture of adherent and suspension cell lines.
• Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced research environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with automated liquid handling systems (Bravo, Assist Plus, Mantis, or similar).
• Familiarity with Benchling or other electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) systems.
• Experience supporting high-throughput screening or automation workflows.
• Knowledge of cell therapy, immunology, or molecular biology research.
• Self-motivated with a proactive, detail-oriented approach and a strong sense of ownership.

Preferred Technical Skills:

• Flow Cytometry
• Mammalian Cell Culture
• Laboratory Automation
• Liquid Handling Systems (Bravo, Assist Plus, Mantis)
• Aseptic Techniques
• Cell-Based Assays
• Benchling
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Laboratory Documentation
• Experimental Data Analysis