Research Associate I/II – Molecular Biology (Tissue RNA Extraction & RT-qPCR)

Yoh, A Day & Zimmermann Company; San Francisco (CA); In loco; USD 48.000 - 62.000; Tempo pieno

Vantaggi offerti da questo lavoro

Medical benefits

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Life & Disability Insurance

Voluntary benefits

EAP

401K Retirement Savings Plan

Direct Deposit & weekly epayroll

Referral bonuses

Certification and training

Descrizione del lavoro

Yoh, a Day & Zimmermann company, is seeking a Research Associate I/II to support molecular biology and ex vivo research programs at a growing biotechnology company in South San Francisco, CA. The role focuses on tissue RNA extraction and RT-qPCR workflows, using phenol-chloroform methods and 384-well formats, with an emphasis on accuracy and reproducibility.

The successful candidate will perform RNA extraction, qPCR, and biomarker assays, maintain documentation, and contribute to multiple

Competenze

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or related life science discipline.
• Direct hands-on lab experience in molecular biology and ex vivo research environments.
• Experience performing phenol-chloroform RNA extraction from animal tissues using TRIzol/TRI Reagent/QIAzol or equivalent.
• Experience performing RT-qPCR gene-expression analysis using 384-well plates.
• Experience RNA quality assessment, cDNA synthesis, assay setup, and data analysis.
• Strong pipetting skills for high-throughput multiwell assays.
• Independent follow SOPs and maintain accurate records.

Mansioni

• Independently process animal tissue samples, including tissue prep and homogenization, then RNA extraction.
• Perform RNA quantification, quality assessment, cDNA synthesis, and RT-qPCR gene-expression analysis.
• Prepare and run 384-well RT-qPCR plates with proper controls and reference genes.
• Analyze gene-expression data, evaluate assay quality, and troubleshoot variability.
• Conduct molecular and biomarker assays on tissue lysates, serum, plasma, or cell-derived materials.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures using aseptic techniques and routine passaging.
• Support ex vivo research through tissue processing and primary cell preparation.
• Execute established protocols efficiently while managing multiple experiments.
• Maintain detailed experimental documentation and track samples.

Conoscenze

RNA extraction

RT-qPCR

Mammalian cell culture

Phenol-chloroform extraction

qPCR data analysis

High-throughput assays

Formazione

Bachelor's degree in Biology or related life science

Strumenti

GraphPad Prism

Excel

Electronic lab notebooks

Descrizione del lavoro

Research Associate I/II – Molecular Biology (Tissue RNA Extraction & RT-qPCR) (BH-401425-2)

Location South San Francisco, United States Sector Science & Research Salary $35.00 to $45.00 per hour

Research Associate I/II – Molecular Biology (Tissue RNA Extraction & RT-qPCR) Location: South San Francisco, CA (100% Onsite) Pay Rate: $35–$45/hour W2, depending on experience Employment Type: Full-Time, Long-Term Contract (Potential for Permanent Conversion) Yoh Life Sciences is seeking a highly hands‑on Research Associate I/II to support molecular biology and ex vivo research programs at a growing biotechnology company developing innovative therapies for age‑related and chronic diseases. We are specifically seeking candidates with direct, hands‑on experience performing RNA extraction from animal tissues using TRIzol, TRI Reagent, QIAzol, or comparable phenol‑chloroform methods, along with 384‑well RT‑qPCR for gene‑expression analysis. The ideal candidate has personally executed these workflows on a recurring basis, understands the underlying assay principles, and can independently produce accurate, reproducible results in a fast‑paced laboratory environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently process animal tissue samples, including tissue preparation and homogenization, followed by phenol‑chloroform RNA extraction.
• Perform RNA quantification and quality assessment, cDNA synthesis, and RT‑qPCR gene‑expression analysis.
• Prepare and run 384‑well RT‑qPCR plates using accurate pipetting, appropriate controls, reference genes, and established protocols.
• Analyze gene‑expression data, evaluate assay quality, interpret experimental results, and troubleshoot technical variability.
• Perform molecular and biomarker assays using biological samples such as tissue lysates, serum, plasma, or cell‑derived materials.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures using aseptic techniques, including routine passaging, counting, and culture maintenance.
• Support ex vivo research through tissue processing and primary cell preparation or isolation.
• Execute established laboratory protocols efficiently while managing multiple experiments and sample sets.
• Maintain accurate experimental documentation, track samples, and communicate results to research teams.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a related life science discipline.
• Substantial, directly relevant hands‑on laboratory experience in academic, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or related research environments.
• Personal experience performing phenol‑chloroform RNA extraction from animal tissues using TRIzol, TRI Reagent, QIAzol, or a comparable method.
• Personal experience performing RT‑qPCR gene‑expression analysis using 384‑well plates.
• Experience with RNA quality assessment, cDNA synthesis, assay setup, and gene‑expression data analysis.
• Understanding of RT‑qPCR principles, assay controls, reference‑gene normalization, and troubleshooting.
• Strong pipetting skills, including accurate preparation of high‑throughput, multiwell assays.
• Hands‑on mammalian cell culture experience.
• Experience processing biological tissues and/or isolating primary cells.
• Experience performing biomarker or protein‑based assays on biological samples.
• Ability to independently follow SOPs, manage multiple experiments, maintain accurate records, and generate reproducible results with minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Western blot, ELISA, or commercial biomarker assay kits.
• Experience processing rodent tissues or human donor‑derived biological samples.
• Recent, repeated experience with high‑throughput tissue RNA extraction and RT‑qPCR workflows.
• Biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience in a fast‑paced research environment.
• Experience with automated liquid handling or high‑throughput molecular assays.
• Familiarity with GraphPad Prism, Excel, and electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Experience supporting translational research, pharmacodynamic studies, or early‑stage drug discovery.

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role?

The hiring team is looking for a scientist who is comfortable spending most of the day at the bench.

Successful candidates will be able to explain the molecular assays they have personally performed, including the purpose of experimental controls, how gene‑expression data is normalized, and how they identify and troubleshoot assay problems.

This position requires strong technical execution, attention to detail, reliable documentation, and the ability to maintain productivity across multiple projects without extensive training.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Contribute directly to innovative drug discovery research targeting complex age‑related diseases.
• Work in a collaborative biotechnology research environment.
• Gain exposure to ex vivo tissue studies, molecular assays, and biomarker analysis.
• Long‑term contract opportunity with potential for permanent conversion based on performance and business needs.

Additional Details

• Fully onsite in South San Francisco, CA, five days per week.
• Long‑term W2 contract.
• Pay range: $35–$45/hour.
• No live animal handling required.
• Final‑stage candidates may participate in an onsite practical laboratory assessment.

Estimated Min Rate: $35.00

Estimated Max Rate: $45.00

• Medical, Prescription, Dental & Vision Benefits (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
• Health Savings Account (HSA) (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
• Life & Disability Insurance (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
• MetLife Voluntary Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401K Retirement Savings Plan
• Direct Deposit & weekly epayroll
• Referral Bonus Programs
• Certification and training opportunities

Yoh, a Day & Zimmermann company, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Yoh, a Day & Zimmermann company, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.