Entry-Level Vector Engineering Scientist (AAV) – Onsite SF

Yoh; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401K Retirement Savings Plan

Training opportunities

Direct Deposit

Job summary

Yoh Services LLC is seeking a motivated Research Associate I to join our biotechnology client's Vector Engineering team in South San Francisco, CA. This contract-to-hire position offers hands-on experience in viral vector production, cell culture, and molecular biology in a fast-paced research environment.

The ideal candidate will contribute to AAV vector production, mammalian cell culture, and SOP-driven workflows, while developing independent laboratory skills and collaborative problem

Qualifications

• Background in biology or related field; molecular biology preferred.
• Hands-on lab experience from coursework or industry.
• Experience with serological pipetting and serial dilutions.
• Strong attention to detail and protocol adherence.
• Excellent documentation and communication skills.
• Willingness to learn and take on responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Support production of AAV vectors for research and discovery.
• Perform routine mammalian cell culture activities.
• Learn transfection, vector harvest, and purification workflows.
• Follow SOPs and maintain accurate lab documentation.
• Manage reagents, inventory, and lab organization.
• Collaborate with scientists to troubleshoot challenges.

Skills

Molecular biology

Cell culture

Serological pipetting

Laboratory protocols

Documentation

Initiative

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology/biotech

Tools

qPCR

Western blotting

SDS-PAGE

FPLC

TFF

Ultracentrifugation

Job description

Yoh is seeking a motivated Research Associate I to join our biotechnology client's Vector Engineering team in South San Francisco, CA.

This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career scientist to gain hands-on experience in viral vector production, cell culture, and molecular biology while contributing to innovative therapeutic discovery programs.

Research Associate I | Vector Engineering

Location: South San Francisco, CA
Job Type: Contract to Hire
Pay Rate: $28–38/hr DOE
Schedule: Onsite, Full Time M–F

Position Overview
The ideal candidate will have strong laboratory fundamentals, exceptional attention to detail, and a demonstrated ability to learn quickly in a collaborative, fast-paced research environment. Our client values individuals who demonstrate initiative, high productivity, strong execution, and the potential to take on increasing responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the production of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors for research and drug discovery.
• Perform routine mammalian cell culture activities, including media preparation, cell maintenance, and passaging.
• Learn and execute transfection, viral vector harvest, and purification workflows.
• Execute established laboratory protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation and sample tracking.
• Support reagent preparation, inventory management, and laboratory organization.
• Collaborate with scientists and research associates to troubleshoot technical challenges.
• Identify opportunities to improve laboratory workflows and processes.

Required Qualifications

• Educational background in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Hands-on laboratory experience through academic research or industry.
• Experience with serological pipetting and performing accurate serial dilutions.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow laboratory protocols.
• Excellent organizational, documentation, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated initiative, productivity, and ability to manage multiple responsibilities.
• Willingness to learn new techniques, take ownership of responsibilities, and develop independent laboratory skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with mammalian cell culture, particularly HEK293 cells.
• Familiarity with transfection techniques.
• Exposure to AAV, lentiviral vectors, or gene therapy research.
• Experience with qPCR, Western blotting, or SDS-PAGE.
• Familiarity with purification methods such as FPLC, TFF, depth filtration, or ultracentrifugation.
• Previous experience in a biotechnology startup or fast-paced research laboratory.

What Makes This Opportunity Unique?

• Work alongside experienced scientists developing innovative therapeutic technologies.
• Gain hands-on experience with AAV production and advanced molecular biology techniques.
• Join a growing biotechnology organization with opportunities for professional development.
• Receive training and mentorship to expand technical capabilities.
• Potential for long-term employment and internal career advancement.

If you are an ambitious early-career Research Associate with strong laboratory fundamentals, a demonstrated record of accomplishment, and a passion for biotechnology, we encourage you to apply.

Yoh is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics.
#IND-SPG

Estimated Min Rate: $28.00
Estimated Max Rate: $38.00


What’s In It for You?
We welcome you to be a part of the largest and legendary global staffing companies to meet your career aspirations. Yoh’s network of client companies has been employing professionals like you for over 65 years in the U.S., UK and Canada. Join Yoh’s extensive talent community that will provide you with access to Yoh’s vast network of opportunities and gain access to this exclusive opportunity available to you. Benefit eligibility is in accordance with applicable laws and client requirements. Benefits include:

• Medical, Prescription, Dental & Vision Benefits (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
• Health Savings Account (HSA) (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
• Life & Disability Insurance (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
• MetLife Voluntary Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401K Retirement Savings Plan
• Direct Deposit & weekly epayroll
• Referral Bonus Programs
• Certification and training opportunities

Note: Any pay ranges displayed are estimations. Actual pay is determined by an applicant's experience, technical expertise, and other qualifications as listed in the job description. All qualified applicants are welcome to apply.

Yoh, a Day & Zimmermann company, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Visit https://www.yoh.com/applicants-with-disabilities to contact us if you are an individual with a disability and require accommodation in the application process.

For California applicants, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. All of the material job duties described in this posting are job duties for which a criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship potentially resulting in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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