Chemistry Research Associate

CS Genetics; Pleasanton (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A life sciences technology company in Pleasanton, California, is seeking a Chemistry Research Associate to work on developing next-generation research tools and assay reagents. The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of laboratory experience, focusing on biomolecule conjugation, reagent development, and analytical characterization. This is an excellent opportunity to join a collaborative team, tackle challenging scientific problems, and contribute to the advancement of impactful life science technologies.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of relevant laboratory experience in industry or academic research.
• Experience with biological molecules such as antibodies, proteins, or nucleic acids.
• Experience with bead-based or particle-based reagents is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Help develop novel particle-based reagents for biological assays.
• Perform conjugation of biomolecules to particles.
• Characterize biomolecules and particle conjugates using various techniques.

Skills

Hands-on laboratory skills

Attention to detail

Curiosity for learning

Collaborative teamwork

Clear communication

Education

B.S. or M.S. in Chemistry or related discipline

Job description

We are seeking a motivated and hands‑on Chemistry Research Associate with 3–5 years of laboratory experience to contribute to the development of next‑generation life science research tools and assay reagents. This role will focus on the preparation, modification, and characterization of reagents that combine biomolecules including antibodies, proteins, and nucleic acids with engineered particle and materials platforms.

You will work closely with a Senior Scientist and collaborate with a multidisciplinary product development team to build, test, and improve reagents used in advanced biological assays. The ideal candidate enjoys spending the majority of their time at the bench, takes pride in careful experimental work, and is excited by the opportunity to help transform new scientific ideas into robust reagents and products.

This position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to technology development in a fast‑moving, collaborative environment focused on building impactful life science tools.

Impact You Will Have

• Help develop novel particle‑based reagents that enable advanced biological assays and new life science technologies.
• Contribute to translating early‑stage concepts into reliable reagents used in real‑world research applications.
• Generate high‑quality experimental data that informs product development decisions.
• Work alongside experienced scientists and engineers while expanding your expertise in biomolecular chemistry and materials‑based assay technologies.
• Play an active role in building new technologies in a collaborative and high‑impact R&D environment.

Key Responsibilities

Biomolecule Conjugation and Reagent Development

• Perform conjugation of antibodies, proteins, and nucleic acids to functionalized particles and other assay components.
• Execute and optimize biomolecule conjugation strategies using common chemistries such as maleimide‑thiol, EDC coupling, and click chemistry.
• Prepare and purify conjugated reagents using filtration and desalting methods.
• Generate reproducible reagent batches to support assay development and internal testing.
• Assist in evaluating conjugation efficiency, conjugation yield, and reagent stability.

Particle and Surface Chemistry

• Work with functionalized particles such as magnetic beads, polymer beads, latex particles, or other material platforms used in assay reagents.
• Perform biomolecule coupling to particle surfaces using common surface chemistries (e.g., carboxyl, amine, streptavidin, epoxy).
• Execute bead washing, blocking, and storage procedures to maintain reagent performance and stability.
• Evaluate surface loading, coupling efficiency, and nonspecific binding.
• Assist in troubleshooting issues such as aggregation, coupling variability, or reagent performance challenges.

Analytical Characterization and Assay Support

• Characterize biomolecules and particle conjugates using techniques such as:
• UV‑Vis spectroscopy
• Dynamic light scattering (DLS) or particle sizing
• Flow cytometry
• Fluorescence or microscopy‑based imaging
• SDS‑PAGE
• Support evaluation of reagent performance in assay‑relevant formats.
• Collect, analyze, and summarize experimental data to support product development decisions.
• Execute carefully designed laboratory experiments with strong attention to detail and reproducibility.
• Maintain clear and organized experimental documentation using electronic lab notebooks.
• Present results and observations in internal team discussions.
• Support reagent qualification, performance testing, and stability studies.

Qualifications

Education

• B.S. or M.S. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Materials Science, or a related scientific discipline.

Experience

• 3–5 years of relevant laboratory experience in industry or academic research.
• Experience working with biological molecules such as antibodies, proteins, or nucleic acids.
• Experience working with bead‑based or particle‑based reagents used in biological assays is strongly preferred.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong hands‑on laboratory skills and experimental productivity.
• Attention to detail and commitment to generating high‑quality data.
• Curiosity and enthusiasm for learning new experimental techniques.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Clear communication of experimental observations and results.

Why Join Us

• You will join a collaborative team focused on building innovative technologies for the life sciences. This role offers the opportunity to work on challenging scientific problems, develop new experimental skills, and contribute directly to products that enable cutting‑edge biological research.