Research Associate I – Vector Engineering

Yoh,-A-Day-; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical & Vision

HSA

Life & Disability Insurance

MetLife Benefits

Employee Assistance Program

401K Savings

Direct Deposit & epayroll

Referral Bonus

Certification & Training

Job summary

Yoh is seeking a motivated Research Associate I to join our biotechnology client's Vector Engineering team in South San Francisco, CA. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career scientist to gain hands-on experience in viral vector production, cell culture, and molecular biology while contributing to innovative therapeutic discovery programs.

The ideal candidate has strong laboratory fundamentals, exceptional attention to detail, and a demonstrated ability to learn quickly in a

Qualifications

• Educational background in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Hands-on laboratory experience through academic research or industry.
• Experience with serological pipetting and performing accurate serial dilutions.

Responsibilities

• Support production of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors for research and drug discovery.
• Perform routine mammalian cell culture activities, including media preparation, cell maintenance, and passaging.
• Learn and execute transfection, viral vector harvest, and purification workflows.
• Execute established laboratory protocols and SOPs.
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation and sample tracking.
• Support reagent preparation, inventory management, and laboratory organization.
• Collaborate with scientists to troubleshoot technical challenges.
• Identify opportunities to improve laboratory workflows and processes.

Skills

Attention to detail

Documentation skills

Communication skills

Initiative & productivity

Multi-tasking

Education

Biology or related discipline

Tools

qPCR

Western blotting

SDS-PAGE

Job description

Research Associate I – Vector Engineering (BH-401292)

Location South San Francisco, United States Sector Science & Research Salary $28.00 to $38.00 per hour

Yoh is seeking a motivated Research Associate I to join our biotechnology client's Vector Engineering team in South San Francisco, CA. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career scientist to gain hands-on experience in viral vector production, cell culture, and molecular biology while contributing to innovative therapeutic discovery programs.

Location: South San Francisco, CA

Job Type: Contract to Hire

Pay Rate: $28–38/hr DOE

Schedule: Onsite, Full Time M–F

Position Overview

The ideal candidate will have strong laboratory fundamentals, exceptional attention to detail, and a demonstrated ability to learn quickly in a collaborative, fast-paced research environment. Our client values individuals who demonstrate initiative, high productivity, strong execution, and the potential to take on increasing responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the production of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors for research and drug discovery.
• Perform routine mammalian cell culture activities, including media preparation, cell maintenance, and passaging.
• Learn and execute transfection, viral vector harvest, and purification workflows.
• Execute established laboratory protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation and sample tracking.
• Support reagent preparation, inventory management, and laboratory organization.
• Collaborate with scientists and research associates to troubleshoot technical challenges.
• Identify opportunities to improve laboratory workflows and processes.

Required Qualifications

• Educational background in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Hands-on laboratory experience through academic research or industry.
• Experience with serological pipetting and performing accurate serial dilutions.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow laboratory protocols.
• Excellent organizational, documentation, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated initiative, productivity, and ability to manage multiple responsibilities.
• Willingness to learn new techniques, take ownership of responsibilities, and develop independent laboratory skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with mammalian cell culture, particularly HEK293 cells.
• Familiarity with transfection techniques.
• Exposure to AAV, lentiviral vectors, or gene therapy research.
• Experience with qPCR, Western blotting, or SDS-PAGE.
• Familiarity with purification methods such as FPLC, TFF, depth filtration, or ultracentrifugation.
• Previous experience in a biotechnology startup or fast-paced research laboratory.

What Makes This Opportunity Unique?

• Work alongside experienced scientists developing innovative therapeutic technologies.
• Gain hands-on experience with AAV production and advanced molecular biology techniques.
• Join a growing biotechnology organization with opportunities for professional development.
• Receive training and mentorship to expand technical capabilities.
• Potential for long-term employment and internal career advancement.

Yoh is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics.

Estimated Min Rate: $28.00

Estimated Max Rate: $38.00

Benefits include:

• 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.