Research Associate I - Vector Engineering

Yoh Services LLC; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Prescription, Dental & Vision

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Life & Disability Insurance

MetLife Voluntary Benefits

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

401K Retirement Savings Plan

Direct Deposit & weekly epayroll

Referral Bonus Programs

Certification and training opportunit

Job summary

Yoh is seeking a Research Associate I to join our Vector Engineering team in South San Francisco, CA. This contract-to-hire role offers hands-on experience in viral vector production, cell culture, and molecular biology for therapeutic discovery programs.

The ideal candidate has strong lab fundamentals, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced team. Onsite schedule is 5 days a week; flexible learning environment and growth potential.

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.

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.

Skills

Biology / Molecular Biology background

Hands-on laboratory experience

Pipetting & serial dilutions

Attention to detail

Documentation & communication

Willingness to learn

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field

Tools

Mammalian cell culture techniques

Transfection techniques

AAV vector workflows

Job description

Research Associate I - Vector Engineering

Oct 24, 2026

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.

Research Associate I | Vector Engineering

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.

If you are an ambitious early-career Research Associate with strong laboratory fundamentals, a demonstrated record of accomplishment, and a passion for biotechnology, we encourage you to apply.

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

• 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.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.