Associate Scientist

Kelly; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Kelly Science & Clinical seeks an Associate Scientist for a 12-month contract-to-hire with a biotechnology client in Pasadena, CA, focused on neurological disorders. The role is hands-on, testing gene circuits and delivery technologies, with about 80% wet-lab work and close collaboration with leadership.

Responsibilities include developing assays, conducting cell-line and disease-model mouse studies, documenting methods, and maintaining lab records.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in biochemistry, biomedical research, neuroscience, or a related field; PhD welcome but not required.
• Hands-on experience with core molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA or protein extraction and quantification, PCR, cloning).
• Experience with protein assays such as ELISA and Western blot.
• Strong organization, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to plan and troubleshoot experiments, work independently or with a team, and meet timelines.
• Curiosity and enthusiasm for working on evolving startup projects.

Responsibilities

• Execute, optimize, and develop assays to assess gene-circuit function, including protein expression, localization, and efficacy.
• Conduct studies in cell lines and disease-model mice.
• Write and maintain standard operating procedures and detailed laboratory records.
• Troubleshoot experiments, communicate progress, and collaborate across a small, fast-moving team.

Skills

DNA/RNA extraction

Protein quantification

PCR

Cloning

ELISA

Western blot

Education

BS/MS in biochemistry/biomedical research/neuroscience (PhD welcome)

Job description

Kelly® Science & Clinical is seeking an Associate Scientist for a contract-to-hire opportunity with one of our clients, a biotechnology company in Pasadena, CA, focused on neurological disorders. If you’re passionate about bringing the latest scientific discoveries to life and are ready to take the next step in your career, trust The Experts at Hiring Experts.

Position Title: Associate Scientist

Position Type: 12-month contract-to-hire

Pay rate: $40-48 per hour

Our client is a seed-funded, Caltech-founded precision CNS biotech developing genetic therapies designed to tightly control protein expression at the cellular level. Our approach aims to address diseases where too little, or too much, of a protein can cause illness.

Based on the Caltech campus in Pasadena, we’re building a focused, collaborative team that brings together pioneering science and drug-development experience. We’re seeking an inquisitive early-career scientist eager to contribute at the bench and grow with a biotech startup.

The role

You’ll help test and advance our gene circuits and delivery technologies in cell-based studies and disease-model mice. About 80% of your time will be hands-on laboratory work. You’ll work closely with company leadership and scientists to run and improve experiments, document methods, and share results.

Responsibilities

• Execute, optimize, and develop assays to assess gene-circuit function, including protein expression, localization, and efficacy.
• Conduct studies in cell lines and disease-model mice.
• Write and maintain standard operating procedures and detailed laboratory records.
• Troubleshoot experiments, communicate progress, and collaborate across a small, fast-moving team.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in biochemistry, biomedical research, neuroscience, or a related field, with relevant research experience. A PhD is welcome but not required.
• Hands-on experience with core molecular biology techniques, such as DNA/RNA or protein extraction and quantification, PCR, and cloning.
• Experience with protein assays such as ELISA and Western blot.
• Strong organization, communication, and collaboration skills.
• The ability to plan and troubleshoot experiments, work independently or with a team, and deliver against timelines.
• Curiosity and enthusiasm for working across evolving projects in a startup environment.

Preferred:

• Protein production or Transwell systems
• Phage display or synthetic biology
• AAV-based genetic delivery
• High-throughput screening
• Next-generation sequencing, RNA-seq, or single-cell RNA-seq
• Basic bioinformatics
• Derivation of neuronal cell lines

What happens next:

Once you apply, you’ll proceed to the next steps if your skills and experience look like a good fit. But don’t worry – even if this position doesn’t work out, you’re still in our network. That means our team of expert Science & Clinical recruiters will have access to your profile, making your opportunities limitless.