Research Associate - I

Spectraforce Technologies; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Spectraforce Technologies in Foster City, CA seeks a Research Associate I to support automation and flow cytometry core functions for next-generation cell therapy programs. The role involves hands-on lab work, data generation, and collaboration across teams.

You will perform assay development, QC of flow cytometry, and mammalian cell culture while managing inventory and presenting findings. A biology degree with relevant experience qualifies you for this entry-level position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 6 months to 1 year of biology-related experience or equivalent.
• Master's degree in biology-related field, 0 years of experience.
• Knowledge of automated liquid handling and flow cytometry basics.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and optimize automation assays to support high-throughput cell-based assays
• Generate robust and high-quality experimental data
• Troubleshoot automation systems and liquid handlers including Bravo, Assist Plus, Mantis
• Perform flow cytometry QC, maintenance, and troubleshooting
• Support flow cytometry assay workflows and instrumentation
• Conduct aseptic mammalian cell culture and maintain cell lines
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and manage lab inventory
• Present findings in team meetings

Skills

Automation

Flow cytometry

Mammalian cell culture

Organization

Ownership mindset

Collaboration

Problem solving

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology-related field

Master's degree in biology-related field

Molecular Biology

Immunology

Cell Biology

Tools

Benchling

MS Office

Job description

Job Title

Research Associate I

Duration

12 Months

Location

Foster City, CA

Position Summary

We are seeking a creative and highly motivated Research Associate to join the growing Automation and Flow Cytometry team. In this hands‑on laboratory role, the individual will support automation and flow cytometry core functions contributing to next‑generation cell therapy programs.

Automation & Assay Support

• Develop, implement, and optimize automation assays to support high‑throughput cell‑based assays
• Generate robust and high‑quality experimental data
• Troubleshoot technical issues related to automation systems and liquid handlers including:
  • Bravo
  • Assist Plus
  • Mantis

Flow Cytometry Support

• Perform daily QC, maintenance, and troubleshooting of flow cytometry instruments
• Support flow cytometry assay workflows and instrumentation activities

Cell Culture

• Conduct aseptic mammalian cell culture techniques
• Maintain both adherent and suspension cell lines

Collaboration & Lab Operations

• Work closely with cross‑functional teams to support project milestones
• Manage laboratory inventory, cell line inventory, and equipment
• Utilize laboratory software systems including Benchling and MS Office
• Present experimental findings effectively during team meetings

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree with 6 months to 1 year of experience in a biology‑related field
• Master's degree with 0 years of experience

Preferred Academic Backgrounds

• Molecular Biology
• Immunology
• Cell Biology

Preferred Technical Skills

• Basic understanding of automated liquid handling systems
• Basic knowledge of flow cytometry principles and applications
• Hands‑on experience with mammalian cell culture:
  • Suspension cell lines
  • Adherent cell lines
• Strong organizational and collaboration skills
• Self‑motivated with an ownership mindset
• Willingness to take on additional responsibilities