Research Associate II, NAMkind Assays

VivoSim Labs, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

VivoSim Labs, Inc. in San Diego, CA seeks a Junior Research Associate to support NAMkind Tissue platform for drug-induced tissue injury and efficacy studies. The successful candidate will perform cell culture-based experiments, biomarker assays including ELISA, maintain detailed records, and contribute to reproducible data for in-house and client projects.

Ideal candidates have B.S. in life sciences and 1–3 years of lab experience in cell culture, ELISA, and good documentation practices.

Qualifications

• B.S. in life sciences or related field required.
• 1–3 years of laboratory experience in cell or tissue culture.
• Hands-on ELISA experience required.
• Familiarity with aseptic technique and standard instruments.
• Strong organization and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently within a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and culture primary mammalian cells using aseptic technique.
• Thaw, expand, count, and prepare cells for experiments.
• Assist with multicellular culture prep and maintenance.
• Perform media exchanges, dosing, and sample collection per SOPs.
• Monitor tissue morphology and culture health via microscopy.
• Perform ELISA and other assays; prepare plates and controls.
• Operate readers and ensure data quality metrics.
• Support screening and mechanistic studies under supervision.
• Maintain electronic lab notebooks and lab records.
• Assist with inventory, reagents, and lab organization.
• Compile data and generate figures for reports.

Skills

Cell culture

ELISA

Data analysis

GDP familiarity

Independent work

Education

B.S. in Life Sciences

Tools

GraphPad Prism

Job description

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Junior Research Associate to support expansion of our NAMkind™ Tissue platform for drug-induced tissue injury and drug efficacy studies. The successful candidate will perform cell culture-based experiments, execute biomarker assays including ELISA, maintain high-quality laboratory documentation, and contribute to the generation of reproducible data supporting internal R&D and client-facing studies. This role is ideal for an early-career scientist with strong tissue culture skills who is interested in applying advanced human-relevant in vitro models to drug discovery and safety assessment.

Key Responsibilities

Cell Culture & Tissue Model Support

• Maintain and culture primary mammalian cell types using aseptic technique.
• Thaw, expand, count, and prepare relevant cell populations for experimental studies.
• Assist with preparation and maintenance of multicellular cultures.
• Perform routine media exchanges, compound dosing, and sample collection according to SOPs.
• Monitor tissue morphology and culture health using microscopy and imaging systems.

Assay Execution

• Perform ELISA and other biochemical assays to evaluate tissue function and toxicity.
• Conduct viability, cytotoxicity, and functional endpoint assays.
• Prepare reagents, standards, controls, and assay plates.
• Operate plate readers and analyze assay quality metrics.

Experimental Operations

• Support execution of screening and mechanistic studies under the guidance of senior scientists.
• Maintain detailed electronic laboratory notebooks and experimental records.
• Assist with inventory management, reagent preparation, and laboratory organization.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Compile, organize, and perform basic analysis of experimental data.
• Generate figures, tables, and summaries for study reports and internal presentations.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of protocols and laboratory workflows.

Qualifications

Required

• B.S. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, or related life science discipline.
• 1-3 years of laboratory experience in cell culture or tissue culture.
• Hands-on experience performing ELISA assays.
• Familiarity with standard laboratory instrumentation and aseptic technique.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

Preferred

• Experience working with primary cells or 3D tissue models.
• Familiarity with GraphPad Prism, Microsoft Excel, or other data analysis software.
• Experience following SOPs and Good Documentation Practices (GDP).

Key Competencies

• Excellent laboratory technique and reproducibility
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Ability to manage multiple studies simultaneously
• Commitment to data integrity and scientific rigor.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Positive attitude, willingness to learn, and strong team-oriented mindset.