Associate Scientist

California Cultured; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

California Cultured is seeking an Associate Scientist in Davis, California. In this role, you will manage the preparation of plant cell cultures and lead important research projects on plant cell engineering and gene expression.

The ideal candidate should have experience in plant cell culture and hold a Master’s degree in a related field, with excellent communication and organization skills. This position offers the opportunity to contribute significantly to our development in cell & media technology.

Qualifications

• Experience with plant cell culture, media development, and data collection.
• High level of competence in supervising technical staff and implementing safety.
• Ability to function in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Manage experiment preparation and media development for plant cell cultures.
• Complete critical research projects on plant cell engineering.
• Analyze data and make recommendations for process development.

Skills

Problem solving

Relationship-building

Organization

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

Master’s degree in a related field

Job description

About the Position

California Cultured is seeking an Associate Scientist to join its team in Davis, California. The ideal candidate will be a problem solver, natural relationship‑builder, and highly organized contributor to the development of our cell & media technology, and will report directly to our Lead Scientist.

Duties

• Manage experiment preparation, media development, growing, maintaining, and characterizing plant cell cultures.
• Complete critical research projects on plant cell engineering and gene expression of lipids and target molecules.
• Perform tissue culture, genetic engineering, and molecular biology work.
• Design and execute experiments to characterize and assess critical quality attributes of cell culture samples.
• Assist and execute experiments to determine product applications of cultured cell lines, as determined by Lead Scientist.
• Analyze data, develop conclusions, and make recommendations in support of molecular biology, cell culture, and process/product development efforts.
• Troubleshoot technical, experimental, and operational issues as necessary.
• Participate in the design and build‑out of analytical capabilities based on strategic goals of the R&D organization.
• Develop, maintain, and follow standard operating procedures.
• Prepare and present project updates, reports and reviews of scientific literature.
• Develop technical and project planning expertise relevant to plant cell culture by attending courses/trainings, assisting Lead Scientist with research program development, and attending management discussions.
• Train new lab personnel on cell culture maintenance, media preparation, and common lab SOPs.
• Assist in setting yearly goals for research associates with Human Resources.
• Train & assist on cell banking and cell retrieving.
• Train & assist on project planning for cell screening.

About You

• Experience with plant cell culture, media development, and data collection.
• Master’s degree in a related field (preferred).
• Strong communication and organization skills.
• High level of competence in the supervision of technical staff and implementation of safety requirements and skills.
• Ability to function in a fast‑paced environment with minimal supervision.