Research Assistant

onepot; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

onepot in South San Francisco is seeking a research assistant to support and execute laboratory operations, helping manage chemical inventory, automate workflows, and keep the lab running at peak efficiency. Reporting to the Head of Laboratory Operations, you will build onboarding processes, run established workflows, document activity, and mentor new Lab Associates as the team grows.

This hands-on role requires excellent organization, rigorous safety practices, and the ability to thrive in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related field or equivalent practical laboratory experience.
• Hands-on experience in a chemical/biotech lab with safe handling, storage and accurate documentation.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Comfortable following written protocols, using digital inventory tools, and performing basic laboratory calculations.
• Ability to work independently after training and know when to ask for help.

Responsibilities

• Build onboarding and inventory for chemical building blocks, verify materials and documentation, label and store them.
• Prepare materials and consumables for automated workflows and monitor progress.
• Maintain accurate inventory and workflow records; identify discrepancies or issues and resolve them or escalate.
• Keep lab areas and equipment clean, replenish supplies, and perform routine maintenance.
• Communicate completed work and status during shift handovers.
• Prioritize tasks according to project guidance and operate with minimal supervision.
• Own operational tasks on a recurring basis.
• Mentor and train new Lab Associates to enable team success.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Independent work

Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry

Equivalent practical lab experience

Tools

Digital inventory tools

Automated lab equipment

Job description

onepot combines AI, robotics, and chemistry to automate small-molecule synthesis. We’re building a team of chemists, engineers, and researchers working together to make chemical synthesis faster and more reliable.

We are looking for a research assistant to support and execute laboratory operations. Your work will help ensure that materials are ready, automated workflows run smoothly, and that the lab runs at maximum efficiency. This role will report to the Head of Laboratory Operations.

Working hours: 8 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (08:00–17:00), Pacific Time.

The role

This is a hands-on position spanning chemical inventory, automated laboratory workflows, and general lab operations. You will work closely with our lab team, helping organize ongoing work and keeping accurate records of what was completed.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Building block onboarding and inventory: Receive and onboard new chemical building blocks from external vendors. Verify materials and accompanying documentation, register and label them, and ensure they are stored correctly and available for use.

• Automated lab workflows: Prepare materials and consumables, set up and run established workflows involving automated liquid handling, and monitor their progress.

• Documentation and troubleshooting: Maintain accurate inventory and workflow records, identify discrepancies or operating issues, and resolve routine problems or elevate them to the appropriate teammates.

• Lab upkeep: Keep work areas and shared equipment clean and organized, replenish supplies, and perform routine laboratory/instrument maintenance.

• Shift handovers: Communicate completed work, workflow status, inventory changes, and unresolved issues to the evening team.

• Prioritization: Self-steer and execute tasks in alignment with guided project priority.

• Ownership: Responsible for operational tasks on a recurring basis.

• Mentorship: Assist in the training and bring-up of new Lab Associates. Provide guidance as needed to enable team success.

Education and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related field, or equivalent practical laboratory experience.

• Prior hands-on experience in a chemical or biotechnology laboratory, including safe chemical handling, storage and accurate documentation.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Comfortable following written protocols, using digital inventory tools, and performing basic laboratory calculations.

• Ability to work independently after training, with sound judgment about when to ask for help.

Experience with laboratory automation or chemical inventory management is preferred.

Who will succeed here

You may be a strong fit if you:

• Enjoy practical lab work and take ownership of getting tasks completed accurately.

• Notice missing labels, inconsistent records, and other details that affect the reliability of a workflow.

• Communicate clearly and help teammates stay organized.

• Are interested in learning how chemistry, robotics, and software work together.

• Are comfortable with start-up culture and wearing many hats.

Additional requirements

• Ability to work in person at our South San Francisco laboratory.

• Commitment to safe chemical handling and laboratory procedures.

onepot is an equal-opportunity employer.