Research Associate

PBS Biotech; Camarillo (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

PBS Biotech, Inc. in Camarillo, CA, is seeking a Research Associate to join the bioprocess R&D team. You will perform daily lab activities, assist in cell culture process development, optimization and characterization, and contribute to data preparation for publications and conferences.

This role requires a Master’s or Bachelor’s with 2+ years of relevant lab experience, strong Excel skills, and teamwork. Proximity to Ventura County and weekend flexibility are helpful.

Qualifications

• Proven lab experience in cell culture and bioprocess development.
• Strong data collection, analysis and reporting skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; able to prepare scientific data and publications.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily laboratory activities and assist in experiments.
• Contribute to cell culture process development, optimization, and characterization.
• Prepare data for publications, white papers, abstracts, and conference presentations.
• Support root‑cause analysis and propose experimental strategies for problem solving.
• Collaborate with other departments on cross‑functional projects.

Skills

Lab skills

Team collaboration

Data analysis

Time management

Communication

Education

Master's in Chemical Engineering, Life Sciences or Biotechnology

Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering, Life Sciences or Biotechnology with 2+ years lab experience

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Lab equipment handling

Job description

Join PBS Biotech and Help Shape the Future of Cell Therapy

Location: Camarillo, California

Where Innovation Meets Purpose

At PBS Biotech, we're not simply building bioreactors—we're advancing technologies that have the potential to improve and save lives.

As a growing biotechnology company at the forefront of cell and gene therapy, we develop innovative single-use bioreactor systems that help researchers and manufacturers bring next-generation therapies to patients faster. Our technologies support groundbreaking work in immune cell therapy, stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and advanced bioprocess development.

PBS Biotech, Inc. is a private company based in Camarillo, CA, that manufactures and sells revolutionary single-use bioreactors that are ideal for scale-up of cell and gene therapy manufacturing. With a fully equipped in-house R&D laboratory, we also provide world-class contract services for manufacturing process development with leading expertise in various cell and gene therapy product types.

We are seeking a full-time, highly motivated Research Associate to join our growing bioprocess R&D team. This position is an invaluable opportunity to gain experience working with cutting‑edge technology and a variety of cell types that are significant to the rapidly emerging cell and gene therapy market.

If you're passionate about science and excited by the opportunity to contribute to technologies shaping the future of medicine, we'd love to meet you.

What You'll Do

Administrative

• Support lab management and maintain clean and organized lab and office spaces. This includes washing and sterilizing glassware and disposal of biohazard waste in accordance with standard laboratory procedures.
• Support materials management including purchasing, verifying receipts, restocking, and maintaining logs of lab material inventory.
• Assist in equipment management.

Scientific

• Perform daily laboratory activities and aid in experiments as required.
• Participate in research efforts for various cell culture processes based on client needs.
• Perform experiments for bioprocess development, optimization, and characterization.
• Assist in preparing scientific data and compose peer‑reviewed scientific publications, white papers, abstracts, and presentations, including those for domestic and international conferences and trade shows.
• Support root‑cause analysis for unexpected results and provide new approaches or experimental strategies for problem solving.
• Characterize process and quality attributes of cells during process development, either independently or collaboratively with a customer's analytical team or an external service provider.
• Support internal product improvement efforts by providing biological performance data using PBS products.
• Collaborate with other departments for cross‑functional projects.

Experience needed

• Master's in Chemical Engineering, Life Sciences or Biotechnology, or Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering, Life Sciences or Biotechnology with 2+ years of relevant cell culture lab experience.
• Ability to shift gears quickly and to be flexible with task assignments based on business needs.
• Time management and ability to operate with sense of urgency to meet deadlines.
• Strong grasp of Microsoft Excel or other spreadsheet tools.
• Positive attitude and team spirit.
• Hands‑on experience with pluripotent stem cell, T cell, NK cell or mesenchymal stromal cell process development.
• Knowledge of cell characterization methodology such as cell counting, metabolic analysis, etc.
• Excellent organizational skills to assist in developing detailed experimental plans.
• Strong oral and written communication skills including generation of accurate and timely progress reports.
• Excellent collaboration skills to execute large‑scale bioreactor runs in coordination with other operators.
• Proximity to Ventura County and flexible schedule to allow for weekend work on experiments as needed.

Physical Demands

This role is primarily performed in a laboratory setting and requires prolonged standing, repetitive use of hands for laboratory procedures, and occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds. Employees will safely handle chemicals, biological materials, and laboratory equipment while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and following established safety protocols.

The ability to see, hear, speak, and write clearly is required to effectively communicate with colleagues, customers, and vendors. The position also requires manual dexterity to operate laboratory and manufacturing equipment, reach for and handle small objects, and perform precise technical tasks.

Why PBS Biotech?

Joining PBS means becoming part of a team where your ideas matter.

Here you'll find:

• Work on cutting‑edge cell and gene therapy technologies.
• Collaborate with experienced scientists, engineers, and industry experts.
• Gain exposure to a wide variety of cell culture platforms and bioprocess development projects.
• Opportunities to publish scientific work and present at conferences.
• A collaborative culture where innovation, curiosity, and continuous learning are encouraged.
• The opportunity to grow your career alongside a rapidly expanding biotechnology company.

Our Values

At PBS Biotech, our success is built on the people behind our technology.

• Innovation and scientific excellence.
• Collaboration across disciplines.
• Integrity in everything we do.
• Curiosity and continuous improvement.
• A shared commitment to improving patient outcomes.