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

Yoh, A Day & Zimmermann Company; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Yoh, a Day & Zimmermann company, is seeking a Research Associate I/II in South San Francisco to support molecular biology and ex vivo studies, focusing on RNA extraction from tissue and expression analysis by RT-qPCR.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with phenol-chloroform RNA extraction (TRIzol/TRI Reagent/QIAzol) and 384‑well RT-qPCR, is comfortable working onsite, and can generate accurate, reproducible data under fast-paced conditions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology or related life science field.
• Hands-on experience with phenol-chloroform RNA extraction from animal tissues.
• Experience with RT-qPCR gene-expression analysis using 384-well plates.
• Ability to follow SOPs and manage multiple experiments with minimal supervision.

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.

Skills

RNA extraction

RT-qPCR

Phenol-chloroform extraction

Mammalian cell culture

High-throughput assays

Pipetting automation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field

Tools

TRIzol/TRI Reagent/QIAzol

RT-qPCR instruments

384-well plates

Job description

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.

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Estimated Min Rate: $35.00

Estimated Max Rate: $45.00

What’s In It for You?

We welcome you to be a part of the largest and legendary global staffing companies to meet your career aspirations. Yoh’s network of client companies has been employing professionals like you for over 65 years in the U.S., UK and Canada. Join Yoh’s extensive talent community that will provide you with access to Yoh’s vast network of opportunities and gain access to this exclusive opportunity available to you. Benefit eligibility is in accordance with applicable laws and client requirements.

• 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

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.

Visit https://www.yoh.com/applicants-with-disabilities to contact us if you are an individual with a disability and require accommodation in the application process.

For California applicants, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. All of the material job duties described in this posting are job duties for which a criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship potentially resulting in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment.

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