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

Yoh; South San Francisco (CA); In loco; USD 48.000 - 62.000; Tempo pieno

Vantaggi offerti da questo lavoro

Medical benefits

Prescription benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Descrizione del lavoro

Yoh Life Sciences is seeking a highly hands-on Research Associate I/II to support molecular biology and ex vivo programs, focusing on RNA extraction from animal tissues and RT-qPCR workflows in a fast-paced lab.

The role requires phenol-chloroform RNA extraction, 384-well RT-qPCR, cell culture, and data interpretation with minimal supervision. Onsite in South San Francisco, CA, with a long-term W2 contract and potential for permanent conversion.

Competenze

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a related life science discipline.
• Substantial hands-on laboratory experience in academic, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or related research environments.
• Experience performing phenol-chloroform RNA extraction from animal tissues using TRIzol, TRI Reagent, QIAzol, or a comparable method.
• 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.

Mansioni

• 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.

Conoscenze

Molecular biology

RNA extraction

RT-qPCR

Cell culture

Data analysis

SOP compliance

Formazione

Bachelor's degree in Biology or related life science

Strumenti

RT-qPCR platforms

Phenol-chloroform extraction

Descrizione del lavoro

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.

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.

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)

  Note: Any pay ranges displayed are estimations. Actual pay is determined by an applicant's experience, technical expertise, and other qualifications as listed in the job description. All qualified applicants are welcome to apply.

  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.

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