Research Associate (Contractor)

Sacbar; South San Francisco, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Part time

Job summary

Genentech’s Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) department in gRED seeks a highly motivated Research Associate (Contractor) to join the Metabolomics team within the Bioanalytical group. The role focuses on LC-MS-based metabolomics, lipidomics, and biomarker data across biological matrices, with emphasis on data processing and documentation.

The ideal candidate holds a bachelor’s or master’s degree in chemistry or related field with up to 4 years’ experience, and familiarity with LC-MS

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related discipline, with 0–4 years of experience.
• Hands-on experience with protein precipitation, liquid-liquid and solid-phase extraction is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with LC-MS instrumentation, chromatography, mass spectrometry, or bioanalytical workflows is preferred.
• Experience or interest in mass spectrometry data processing, laboratory automation, computational tools, or AI-enabled workflows is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and execution of bioanalytical assays for LC-MS-based metabolomics and lipidomics across biological matrices.
• Perform manual and automated sample preparation workflows including protein precipitation, liquid-liquid extraction, and solid-phase extraction.
• Routinely perform LC-HRMS and LC-MS/MS analysis, operate LC-MS instruments, process and assess raw MS data.
• Document experimental records and support timely delivery of high-quality data and study reports.
• Support routine lab operations including instrument maintenance and safety/compliance.

Skills

LC-MS

Metabolomics

Lipidomics

AI-enabled data analysis

Bioanalytical workflows

Education

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

Tools

LC-MS instruments

Chromatography 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.