Molecular Biology Research Associate: RNA Extraction & RT-qPCR

Yoh; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Prescription benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Job summary

Yoh Life Sciences is seeking a highly hands-on Research Associate I/II to support molecular biology and ex vivo programs, focusing on RNA extraction from animal tissues and RT-qPCR workflows in a fast-paced lab.

The role requires phenol-chloroform RNA extraction, 384-well RT-qPCR, cell culture, and data interpretation with minimal supervision. Onsite in South San Francisco, CA, with a long-term W2 contract and potential for permanent conversion.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a related life science discipline.
• Substantial hands-on laboratory experience in academic, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or related research environments.
• Experience performing phenol-chloroform RNA extraction from animal tissues using TRIzol, TRI Reagent, QIAzol, or a comparable method.
• Experience performing RT-qPCR gene-expression analysis using 384-well plates.
• Experience with RNA quality assessment, cDNA synthesis, assay setup, and gene-expression data analysis.
• Understanding of RT-qPCR principles, assay controls, reference-gene normalization, and troubleshooting.
• Strong pipetting skills, including accurate preparation of high-throughput, multiwell assays.
• Hands-on mammalian cell culture experience.
• Experience processing biological tissues and/or isolating primary cells.
• Experience performing biomarker or protein-based assays on biological samples.
• Ability to independently follow SOPs, manage multiple experiments, maintain accurate records, and generate reproducible results with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Independently process animal tissue samples, including tissue preparation and homogenization, followed by phenol-chloroform RNA extraction.
• Perform RNA quantification and quality assessment, cDNA synthesis, and RT‑qPCR gene-expression analysis.
• Prepare and run 384‑well RT‑qPCR plates using accurate pipetting, appropriate controls, reference genes, and established protocols.
• Analyze gene‑expression data, evaluate assay quality, interpret experimental results, and troubleshoot technical variability.
• Perform molecular and biomarker assays using biological samples such as tissue lysates, serum, plasma, or cell‑derived materials.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures using aseptic techniques, including routine passaging, counting, and culture maintenance.
• Support ex vivo research through tissue processing and primary cell preparation or isolation.
• Execute established laboratory protocols efficiently while managing multiple experiments and sample sets.
• Maintain accurate experimental documentation, track samples, and communicate results to research teams.

Skills

Molecular biology

RNA extraction

RT-qPCR

Cell culture

Data analysis

SOP compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology or related life science

Tools

RT-qPCR platforms

Phenol-chloroform extraction

Job description

Yoh Life Sciences is seeking a highly hands-on Research Associate I/II to support molecular biology and ex vivo programs, focusing on RNA extraction from animal tissues and RT-qPCR workflows in a fast-paced lab.

The role requires phenol-chloroform RNA extraction, 384-well RT-qPCR, cell culture, and data interpretation with minimal supervision. Onsite in South San Francisco, CA, with a long-term W2 contract and potential for permanent conversion.