Associate Researcher

Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 100,289,280 - 137,539,584; Full time

Job summary

Kelly Science & Clinical is seeking a Research Associate for acontract position in Pasadena, CA. The role focuses on supporting preclinical gene therapy research with hands-on molecular biology and cell culture work.

The ideal candidate will have experience in mammalian cell culture, molecular biology techniques, and AAV vector workflows, contributing to CNS-focused programs in a fast-paced biotech environment.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Biology or related life sciences with hands-on lab experience.
• BS: 4+ years; MS: 2+ years in mammalian cell culture and molecular biology.
• Experience with AAV vectors, cloning, qPCR, Western blot, flow cytometry, and cell transfection.

Responsibilities

• Perform mammalian cell culture to support ongoing research programs.
• Produce and work with AAV vectors, including transduction experiments.
• Execute molecular biology techniques such as cloning, gene knockdown, qPCR, and related workflows.
• Perform protein and cell-based assays including Western blotting, flow cytometry, and immunological assays.
• Support development of therapeutic cargo for CNS-focused gene therapy programs.
• Generate, analyze, and document experimental data.
• Collaborate with scientists across multiple projects supporting preclinical development.
• Contribute to grant-funded rare disease research initiatives while maintaining high-quality lab practices.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular biology techniques

qPCR

Western blotting

Flow cytometry

Gene knockdown

AAV vector production

Cloning

siRNA

Transfection

Education

BS or MS in Biology or related life sciences

Job description

Kelly® Science & Clinical is seeking a Research Associate for a contract position at a cutting-edge client in Pasadena, CA. If you're passionate about bringing the latest scientific discoveries to life and are ready to take the next step in your career.

Pay: $35-48/hour Depending on experience

Schedule: Full-Time | On-Site

Overview

Our client is an early-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation gene therapies for central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Their pipeline is focused on preclinical biologic therapeutics utilizing antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) and adeno-associated virus (AAV) platforms. This is an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative startup environment where you'll contribute directly to the development of novel gene therapies while working alongside an experienced research team.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in molecular biology and mammalian cell culture and be comfortable working in a fast-paced preclinical research environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform mammalian cell culture to support ongoing research programs
• Produce and work with AAV vectors, including cell dosing and transfection experiments
• Execute molecular biology techniques such as cloning, gene knockdown, qPCR, and related workflows
• Perform protein and cell-based assays including Western blotting, flow cytometry, and immunological assays
• Support development of therapeutic cargo for CNS-focused gene therapy programs
• Generate, analyze, and accurately document experimental data
• Collaborate with scientists across multiple research projects supporting preclinical therapeutic development
• Contribute to grant-funded rare disease research initiatives while maintaining high-quality laboratory practices

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biotechnology, or a related life sciences discipline
• BS with 4+ years or MS with 2+ years of hands-on industry experience with mammalian cell culture and molecular biology techniques is required
• Experience with AAV vector production, siRNA, gene knockdown, cloning, qPCR, Western blotting, flow cytometry, immunological assays, and cell transfection