Research Associate

Job Title: Research Associate
Job Description
This Research Associate role focuses on hands-on molecular biology work at the bench, primarily involving DNA extraction from human blood samples, PCR, and sequencing. The position sits within a platform integration team that bridges assay development with prototype design and testing, offering significant opportunities to learn molecular techniques and contribute to the automation of laboratory processes. The role requires meticulous adherence to standard operating procedures, strong documentation practices, and effective collaboration within a cross-functional biotech environment.
Responsibilities

• Perform DNA extractions from human blood samples using established nucleic acid techniques, including purification and quantification.
• Conduct PCR, including qPCR, multiplex PCR, and sequencing workflows such as n-point PCR or reverse PCR, following detailed SOPs.
• Work at the laboratory bench for the majority of the workday, performing tasks such as heating, mixing, and other control tests as part of molecular workflows.
• Create, execute, and maintain bench controls for experiments, understanding that some control workflows may take from half a day to multiple weeks to complete.
• Apply aseptic techniques consistently to ensure sample integrity and maintain a clean and safe laboratory environment.
• Prepare molecular biology samples using magnetic particles and other standard molecular biology methods as required.
• Document all experimental procedures, observations, and results accurately and in an organized manner in accordance with GLP and internal SOPs.
• Interpret and analyze experimental data, identify trends or issues, and communicate findings clearly to the platform integration and cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate closely with a team of specialized biotech professionals, contributing to different stages of assay development, platform integration, and prototype testing.
• Adapt to varying workloads and experimental timelines, repurposing time and resources efficiently when project priorities shift.
• Participate in cross-functional projects, contributing molecular biology expertise to support integration with other teams and technologies.
• Engage in problem solving and troubleshooting of experiments, instruments, and workflows to improve robustness and reliability of assays.
• Communicate progress, challenges, and results effectively to colleagues and stakeholders, both verbally and in written reports or presentations.
• Demonstrate a personable, enthusiastic, and team-oriented attitude that supports a positive and collaborative lab culture.
• Use Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, to manage documentation, data analysis, and presentations.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree (BS) in a relevant life science such as Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Chemistry, or Immunology.
• Approximately 1.5 to 3 years of experience in an applicable life sciences laboratory setting.
• Hands-on experience with nucleic acid techniques, including DNA extraction, purification, and quantification.
• Proficiency in PCR and qPCR, including multiplex PCR workflows.
• Experience with molecular biology sample preparation, including the use of magnetic particles.
• Strong understanding and practice of aseptic technique in a laboratory environment.
• Ability and willingness to work with human blood samples on a routine basis.
• Familiarity with GLP principles and strict adherence to SOPs and documentation standards.
• Competency in data interpretation and analysis related to molecular biology experiments.
• Comfort working in a team-based environment and contributing to shared project goals.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot experiments and workflows.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, to convey experimental results and project updates.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in a BSL-2 laboratory environment with live organisms is a plus.
• Prior exposure to platform integration, assay development, or prototype design and testing is beneficial.
• Experience creating and managing bench controls for complex experiments is advantageous.
• Experience or familiarity with sequencing workflows, including n-point PCR or reverse PCR, is highly desirable.
• Ability to adapt to repetitive tasks while maintaining high accuracy and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and collaborate across different project stages.
• Personable, enthusiastic, and collaborative demeanor that supports a positive team dynamic.
• Interest in learning how to transfer manual molecular techniques to automated processes.
• Comfort working in a dynamic, fast-paced biotech environment with evolving priorities and timelines.

Work Environment
The role is predominantly laboratory-based, with approximately 90% of the time spent at the bench performing molecular biology experiments and related tasks. The Research Associate works within an integration team of about seven people, as part of a broader group of around seventeen colleagues across other teams, fostering a close-knit and collaborative environment. Work hours generally run from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some flexibility, though the preference is for an earlier start and not later than 8:30 a.m., to accommodate the lengthy processes involved from extraction through PCR and sequencing. The laboratory uses standard molecular biology equipment and techniques, including magnetic particle-based sample preparation, PCR and qPCR instruments, and sequencing-related workflows, all performed under aseptic conditions. The environment may include work in BSL-2 settings and involves routine handling of human blood samples. The culture emphasizes kindness, approachability, and a supportive atmosphere, with flexible work time and a strong focus on teamwork, learning, and professional growth. Dress typically aligns with standard laboratory attire, including appropriate lab coats and personal protective equipment, to ensure safety and compliance with laboratory standards.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of CARLSBAD, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $26.00 - $33.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in CARLSBAD,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 8, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

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