Molecular Assay Research Associate - Genomic Analytics

Pleno Inc.; California; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Health, dental and vision coverage

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Generous PTO

Parental leave

Free onsite meals

Fitness facilities

Team events

Job summary

Pleno is seeking a Research Associate to join its San Diego-based R&D team. You will build, optimize, and troubleshoot molecular assays on our Hypercoding technology, generate high-quality data, and collaborate with scientists, bioinformatics, and engineering partners.

Ideal candidates have hands-on molecular biology experience (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/qPCR/ddPCR), exposure to assay development, and comfort handling large datasets. Onsite in San Diego, CA.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, arrays, PCR, qPCR, and/or ddPCR.
• Exposure to assay development or optimization in academic, industry, or translational research.
• Comfort working with large datasets and drawing conclusions from experimental data.
• Familiarity with data analysis tools; JMP experience is a plus.
• Ability to follow established protocols while applying scientific judgment to resolve routine challenges.

Responsibilities

• Build, optimize, and troubleshoot molecular assays.
• Perform hands-on molecular biology techniques including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR-based methods (qPCR, ddPCR), and related workflows.
• Contribute to assay development, verification, and validation studies, following established plans and protocols.
• Collaborate with R&D, bioinformatics, and engineering teams to interpret results.
• Generate, analyze, and summarize experimental results including large datasets.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and data summaries.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related field

Master’s degree in a related field

Tools

JMP

Job description

Pleno is seeking a Research Associate to join its San Diego-based R&D team. You will build, optimize, and troubleshoot molecular assays on our Hypercoding technology, generate high-quality data, and collaborate with scientists, bioinformatics, and engineering partners.

Ideal candidates have hands-on molecular biology experience (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/qPCR/ddPCR), exposure to assay development, and comfort handling large datasets. Onsite in San Diego, CA.