Research Associate I

dawarconsulting; Foster City (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Our client, a world-leading biotechnology and pharma company, seeks a Research Associate I in Foster City, CA to advance automation-enabled cell biology projects. You will support high-throughput workflows, maintain flow cytometry instruments, and conduct mammalian cell culture, contributing to data-driven discoveries.

Ideal candidates have basic automation experience and strong documentation skills, with collaborative, fast-paced research in a cutting-edge environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, or related field with 6 months–1 year lab exp, OR Master's in related field with no prior industry exp.
• Basic understanding of lab automation systems and liquid handling platforms.
• Fundamental knowledge of flow cytometry principles and applications.
• Hands-on aseptic mammalian cell culture of adherent and suspension lines.
• Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work in a collaborative, fast-paced research environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and optimize automated workflows for high-throughput cell-based assays.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot automation platforms (Bravo, Assist Plus, Mantis).
• Perform QC, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of flow cytometry instruments.
• Conduct aseptic mammalian cell culture of adherent and suspension lines.
• Execute experiments following protocols and document results accurately.
• Collaborate with scientists to achieve milestones and project objectives.
• Manage laboratory inventory, cell lines, reagents, consumables, and equipment.
• Maintain records using Benchling and Microsoft Office.
• Analyze data and present findings in team meetings.
• Ensure compliance with lab safety procedures.

Skills

Flow Cytometry

Mammalian Cell Culture

Laboratory Automation

Liquid Handling Systems

Aseptic Techniques

Cell‑Based Assays

Benchling

Microsoft Office Suite

Laboratory Documentation

Experimental Data Analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology/related field

Master's degree in related field (no prior industry exp)

Tools

Bravo

Assist Plus

Mantis

Benchling

Microsoft Office

Job description

Our client, a world leader in Biotechnology and Pharma, is seeking a "Research Associate I” based at Foster City, CA.

Responsibilities: Our client, a leading biotechnology company focused on developing next‑generation cell therapies, is seeking a Research Associate – Automation & Flow Cytometry to join its growing research team. This is an excellent opportunity for an early‑career scientist with experience in cell culture, flow cytometry, and laboratory automation to contribute to cutting‑edge cell therapy development. The ideal candidate will support automation workflows, maintain flow cytometry instrumentation, perform mammalian cell culture, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to generate high-quality experimental data.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and optimize automated workflows to support high-throughput cell-based assays.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory automation platforms, including liquid handling systems such as Bravo, Assist Plus, and Mantis.
• Perform routine quality control (QC), calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of flow cytometry instruments.
• Conduct aseptic mammalian cell culture of both adherent and suspension cell lines.
• Execute laboratory experiments following established protocols and document results accurately.
• Collaborate with scientists and cross‑functional teams to achieve research milestones and project objectives.
• Manage laboratory inventory, cell line inventory, reagents, consumables, and equipment.
• Maintain accurate experimental records using Benchling, Microsoft Office, and other laboratory software.
• Analyze experimental data and present findings during team meetings.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety procedures and established scientific best practices.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, or a related life sciences discipline with 6 months to 1 year of laboratory experience, OR Master's degree in a related scientific field with no prior industry experience required.
• Basic understanding of laboratory automation systems and liquid handling platforms.
• Fundamental knowledge of flow cytometry principles and applications.
• Hands‑on experience performing aseptic mammalian cell culture of adherent and suspension cell lines.
• Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast‑paced research environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with automated liquid handling systems (Bravo, Assist Plus, Mantis, or similar).
• Familiarity with Benchling or other electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) systems.
• Experience supporting high‑throughput screening or automation workflows.
• Knowledge of cell therapy, immunology, or molecular biology research.
• Self‑motivated with a proactive, detail‑oriented approach and a strong sense of ownership.

Preferred Technical Skills

• Flow Cytometry
• Mammalian Cell Culture
• Laboratory Automation
• Liquid Handling Systems (Bravo, Assist Plus, Mantis)
• Aseptic Techniques
• Cell‑Based Assays
• Benchling
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Laboratory Documentation
• Experimental Data Analysis