Research Associate PCRDNA

Research Associate - PCR/DNA

Location: Santa Monica CA

Onsite Flexibility: Onsite

Contract Details

• Position Type: Contract
• Contract Duration: 12 months (potential for extension/conversion)
• Shift / Schedule: Standard 9:00 AM 5:00 PM; flexible once fully trained (12 hours start/end time flexibility); overtime approved/available as needed
• Travel Requirements: 0% (No travel required)
• Work Authorization: Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Job Summary

The Research Associate Analytical Sciences will be responsible for the execution of routine testing including but not limited to molecular biology assays and cell-based assays and for characterizing T cell therapy processes and products. Additionally this role contributes to the daily operational tasks in the Analytical Sciences team. This role is based in Santa Monica CA.

Key Responsibilities

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Perform routine analytical testing to characterize cell products or processes primarily using DNA/RNA extraction/quantification dPCR live cell imaging and plate-based assays.
• Accurately complete eLN documentation contemporaneously for the lab work to which it pertains.
• Participate in eLN template drafting and revisions and ensure executable templates are comprehensive.
• Participate in tracking assay results and test method performance parameters.
• Assist in everyday operation of analytical laboratories including but not limited to equipment management lab maintenance and restocking and reagent inventory.
• Support cross-functional projects with process development manufacturing quality control and quality assurance groups.

What the Role Entails (Day-to-Day Responsibilities):

*Sample Processing & Genomics:*

• Daily processing of samples using genomic workflows (DNA extractions running PCR / dPCR).
• Culturing handling and preparing human T cells / mammalian cells.

*Lab Operations & Inventory:*

• Managing reagent inventory and placing orders for consumables as they are used.
• Reporting instrument issues/faults to ensure quick maintenance and calibration.

*Data Analysis & Documentation:*

• Performing basic data analysis and maintaining standard lab records/documentation.

Required Skills

• PCR Experience: Solid hands-on experience with genomic techniques (PCR dPCR/digital PCR and DNA extractions either manual or automated).
• Cell Handling: Direct experience handling human or mammalian cells (specifically human T cells / cell therapy experience is highly desired).
• Good Laboratory Practices (GLP): Firm understanding of standard laboratory safety and operating procedures.

Preferred Skills

• Hands-on experience in performing and analyzing qPCR/dPCR and/or cell-based assays is preferred.
• Experience in flow cytometry assays and equipment/software is a plus.
• Experience working in a regulated environment (e.g. GMP GLP or CLIA) is a plus.
• Industry experience in cell therapy/biotech is preferred/ideal (academic lab experience is acceptable for entry-level candidates).

Education Requirements

• MS Degree in Biology Chemistry or related discipline with relevant experience.
• BS degree in Biology Chemistry or related discipline with 1 year of relevant experience.

Required Experience

• 1 year of lab experience OR Masters Degree (Life Sciences) with 0 years of post-grad experience (entry-level MS accepted).

Work Environment / Physical Requirements

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to sit stand walk and communicate verbally (i.e. speak and hear).
• The employee is frequently required to use their hands and arms to reach and grasp (i.e. tactile functioning).
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus in order to read.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• May be required to travel by plane or car 5% of the time.
• This position requires working with biological and/or chemical hazards.
• 100% on-site; occasional work-from-home permitted for data analysis once trained.

Important Notes

• Target Start Date: Mid-to-late November (targeting the Nov 2nd or Nov 16th orientation dates).
• Interview Process: Virtual screening with Hiring Manager followed by one 1-hour panel session split into two 30-minute blocks (meeting 2 team members in each session; 4 team members total).

Benefits

• Medical Vision and Dental Insurance Plans
• 401k Retirement Fund

About the Client

This global biopharmaceutical organization is driven by a defining mission to push the boundaries of science and deliver life-changing medicines operating across more than 100 countries with a focus on oncology cardiovascular and metabolic disease and respiratory and immunology while also advancing treatments in rare diseases and vaccines. Employing tens of thousands of scientists clinicians and business professionals worldwide the organization combines the resource depth of a top-tier pharma company with a genuine culture of scientific curiosity spanning research programs across small molecules biologics cell therapy and RNA 2026 employees voted this organization onto Glassdoors Best Places to Work list and it holds an overall Glassdoor rating of 4.0 stars from nearly 8000 reviews with 79% of employees saying they would recommend working here to a friend. Teams include oncology researchers clinical trial specialists regulatory scientists commercial and market access professionals and cell therapy specialists collaborating across a pipeline consistently regarded as one of the most productive in the industry.

About GTT

GTT is a minority-owned staffing firm and a subsidiary of Chenega Corporation a Native American-owned company in Alaska. We highly value diverse and inclusive workplaces and support Fortune 500 organizations across banking financial services technology life sciences biotech utilities and retail sectors throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Job Number: 26-15017

#LI-Onsite #gttic

Required Experience:

IC