Molecular Biology Research Associate I

Arcturus Therapeutics Inc; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Arcturus Therapeutics Inc. is seeking a Research Assistant I to support molecular biology and nucleic acid therapeutics projects in a fast-paced lab in San Diego.

You will assist with plasmid design, cloning, mRNA production, and mammalian cell culture, with emphasis on accuracy and reproducibility. The role requires hands-on lab skills, familiarity with sequencing, and experience using Excel/PowerPoint for data and reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• 0-2 years of relevant laboratory experience in academic, biotech, or pharmaceutical settings.
• Hands-on experience with standard molecular biology techniques, bacterial culture, plasmid purification, and cloning workflows.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, aseptic technique, and transfection.
• Familiarity with protein analysis or immunoassay methods such as Western blotting or ELISA.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel for data organization and analysis and Microsoft PowerPoint for scientific presentations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to accurate record keeping.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze plasmids using SnapGene or comparable software.
• Perform cloning workflows including PCR, restriction enzymes, Gibson Assembly, transformation, and verification.
• Maintain bacterial cultures and glycerol stocks for plasmid propagation.
• Purify plasmids using miniprep, midiprep, and maxiprep procedures.
• Analyze DNA sequencing results and confirm sequence identity.
• Prepare DNA templates and set up IVT reactions for mRNA production.
• Maintain mammalian cell culture, perform cell counting and viability checks, and conduct transfections.
• Perform Western blotting, immunoassays, and related analyses.
• Organize and analyze data with Excel and GraphPad Prism; prepare figures.
• Maintain lab notebooks and documentation; follow safety and SOPs.

Skills

Lab techniques

Transfection

Data analysis

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology or related field

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Arcturus Therapeutics Inc. is seeking a Research Assistant I to support molecular biology and nucleic acid therapeutics projects in a fast-paced lab in San Diego.

You will assist with plasmid design, cloning, mRNA production, and mammalian cell culture, with emphasis on accuracy and reproducibility. The role requires hands-on lab skills, familiarity with sequencing, and experience using Excel/PowerPoint for data and reporting.