Research Associate (Contractor)

Genentech Inc.; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Genentech Research and Early Development (gRED) is seeking a Research Associate (Contractor) to join the Metabolomics team within the Bioanalytical group. You will support LC-MS-based metabolomics experiments, sample preparation, data processing, and documentation in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Ideal candidates hold a chemistry-related degree with 0–4 years' experience and a strong interest in LC-MS, AI-enabled analysis, and automating workflows.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in chemistry, biochemistry or related field with 0–4 years' experience.
• Hands-on experience with protein precipitation, liquid-liquid and solid-phase extraction preferred.
• Familiarity with LC-MS, chromatography, and mass spectrometry workflows is preferred.
• Interest in AI-assisted data analysis and lab automation is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute LC-MS-based metabolomics and lipidomics assays.
• Perform manual and automated sample prep including extraction and derivatization.
• Operate LC-HRMS and LC-MS/MS instruments for data acquisition and QA.
• Document experimental records and deliver high-quality study reports.
• Maintain lab operations, equipment, supplies, and safety compliance.

Skills

MS data processing

Lab automation

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in chemistry/biochemistry/pharmaceutical sciences

Tools

LC-MS instruments

Data processing software

Job description

The Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) department at Genentech Research and Early Development (gRED) is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate (Contractor) to join the Metabolomics team within the Bioanalytical (BA) group. The team supports across gRED by generating high-quality metabolomics, lipidomics, and small-molecule biomarker data using state-of-the-art instrument and AI-enabled data processing workflow. The successful candidate will work closely with scientists to support sample preparation, LC-MS analysis, data processing, and experimental documentation. This position is well suited for an early-career scientist with a strong desire in developing expertise in LC-MS, metabolomics, and AI-assisted data analysis.

Responsibilities:

• Support the development and execution of bioanalytical assays for LC-MS-based metabolomics, lipidomics across a variety of biological matrices.
• Perform manual and automated sample preparation workflows, including protein precipitation, liquid-liquid and solid-phase extraction, and chemical derivatization.
• Routinely perform LC-HRMS and LC-MS/MS analysis by: 1) operate various LC-MS instruments for data acquisition; 2) process and perform quality assessment of raw MS data using in-house or commercial software tools and AI-assisted coding.
• Organize and document accurate experimental records following the guidance of lead scientists to support the timely delivery of high-quality data and study reports.
• Support routine lab operations including instrument maintenance, consumable and chemical management, and compliance with lab safety and quality standards.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related scientific discipline, with 0–4 years of academic or industry experience.
• Hands-on experience with biological sample preparation techniques such as protein precipitation, liquid-liquid extraction, solid-phase extraction is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with LC-MS instrumentation, chromatography, mass spectrometry, or bioanalytical workflows is preferred.
• Experience or strong interest in mass spectrometry data processing, laboratory automation, computational tools, or AI-enabled scientific workflows is a plus.
• Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork skills with the ability to follow experimental protocols, maintain experiment documentation, and learn in a highly collaborative research environment.