Research Associate I – Vector Engineering

Yoh, A Day & Zimmermann Company; 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

401K Retirement Plan

EAP

Direct Deposit & weekly pay

Referral Bonus

Training opportunities

Job summary

Yoh, a Day & Zimmermann company, is seeking a Research Associate I for Vector Engineering in South San Francisco, CA. This contract-to-hire onsite role offers pay between $28 and $38 per hour DOE, with standard full-time schedules Monday through Friday.

The position provides hands-on experience in viral vector production, cell culture, and molecular biology in a fast-paced environment. You will support AAV vector production, learn transfection and purification workflows, and work with a team to

Qualifications

• Laboratory experience through academic research or industry.
• Experience with serological pipetting and performing accurate serial dilutions.
• Strong ability to follow laboratory SOPs and maintain precise records.
• Excellent organizational, documentation, and communication skills.
• Willingness to learn, take ownership, and develop independent lab skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the production of AAV vectors for research and drug discovery.
• Perform routine mammalian cell culture activities and passaging.
• Learn and execute transfection, viral vector harvest, and purification workflows.
• Follow established SOPs and maintain accurate documentation.
• Maintain sample tracking and inventory, and assist with reagent prep.
• Collaborate with scientists to troubleshoot and improve workflows.
• Identify opportunities to optimize laboratory processes.

Skills

Hands-on lab

Pipetting

Serial dilutions

Attention to detail

Documentation

Education

Biology/Molecular Biology/ Biotechnology or related

Tools

qPCR

Western blot

SDS-PAGE

FPLC

TFF

Ultracentrifugation

Job description

Research Associate I | Vector Engineering

Location: South San Francisco, CA

Job Type: Contract to Hire

Pay Rate: $28–38/hr DOE

Estimated Min Rate: $28.00

Estimated Max Rate: $38.00

Schedule: Onsite, Full Time M–F

Position Overview
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.

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.

What’s In It for 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.

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.

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