Research Associate II, R&D

Mission Bio; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Long-term incentive

Health, dental, and vision benefits

Onsite work environment

Growth & performance conversations

Job summary

Mission Bio in South San Francisco is seeking a Research Associate II to join the R&D team. The role drives completion of custom multi-omics single-cell projects in coordination with Bioinformatics and R&D teams.

Reporting to the R&D Team Lead, you will perform experiments on the Tapestri platform, prepare samples, analyze data, and contribute to client-ready results across cell and gene therapy projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry or related field.
• At least 2 years of hands-on lab experience; industry experience preferred.
• Experience with analytical, molecular, and/or cellular biology techniques; single-cell and NGS experience strongly preferred.
• Strong technical laboratory, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment with high data quality.
• Self-starter with organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication; cross-functional teamwork.
• Uphold Mission Bio’s core values: impact, entrepreneurship, teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, culture human cell lines and primary cells for testing on the Tapestri platform.
• Execute experiments including downstream NGS library prep and sequencing.
• Operate lab instruments (cell counter, microscope, Bioanalyzer) to assess sample quality.
• Perform routine maintenance of equipment and upkeep of electronic databases.
• Plan with team to troubleshoot protocols and optimize workflows.
• Prepare or update protocols for new processes.
• Present experimental results and project updates to manager and multidisciplinary team.
• Maintain deadlines while handling multiple projects.
• Collaborate on cross-functional experiments as priorities shift.

Skills

Molecular biology

Cell culture

NGS library prep

PCR

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

BS/BA or MS in relevant field

Tools

Bioanalyzer

Automated cell counter

Microscope

NGS library prep

Job description

About Mission Bio

Based in South San Francisco, Mission Bio is the leader in single cell, multi-omics solutions for precision medicine. Our mission is to empower researchers and clinicians to eradicate cancer, and our Tapestri® Platform is at the center of that effort. As the industry’s first high throughput single cell, multi-omics solution, Tapestri is trusted by leading academic medical centers, cancer institutes, and biopharma companies to advance research and accelerate the development of curative therapies, including the future of cell and gene therapy.

We are entering an exciting growth phase focused on innovation, deeper commercial partnerships, and broader clinical adoption. Our expanded tri-omics capabilities now combine targeted gene expression and genotyping in a single assay, opening up new opportunities across oncology and therapeutic development.

Position Overview

We are looking for a highly motivated individual to join the Research and Development (R&D) team as a Research Associate II. The successful candidate will play a key role in driving successful completion of novel custom multi-omics single-cell projects in coordination with Bioinformatics and R&D teams. The position will be critical in generating analytical and experimental data for Mission Bio’s customers across diverse applications in cell and gene therapy, drug, and biomarker development.

This position will report to the R&D Team Lead.

Core Responsibilities:

• Prepare, handle, and/or culture human cell lines and primary cells for testing on Mission Bio’s single-cell Tapestri platform.
• Execute experiments following complex plans and protocols on the Tapestri platform, including downstream NGS library preparation and sequencing.
• Operate a variety of lab instruments, including automated cell counter, microscope, Bioanalyzer, etc., to evaluate sample quality.
• Perform routine maintenance of laboratory equipment and upkeep of electronic databases.
• Plan and coordinate with team members to troubleshoot protocols and optimize workflows.
• Prepare written protocols for new processes and/or update existing protocols.
• Present experimental results and project updates in written and verbal formats to manager and other members of a multidisciplinary team.
• Maintain project deadlines while working on a variety of projects at one time.
• Perform occasional cross-functional collaborative experiments based on company priorities.

Essential Skills, Education, and Experience:

• A Bachelor’s (B.S./B.A.) or Master’s (MS) degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry or related field.
• At least 2 years of hands-on lab experience. Industry experience is preferred.
• Experience with analytical, molecular, and/or cellular biology techniques. Some examples include, PCR, real-time PCR, NGS library prep, fluorescence microscopy, and/or cell culture techniques. Single-cell and NGS experience is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated strong technical laboratory, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a high level of data quality.
• Self-starter with excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills with demonstrated success working effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Ability to uphold Mission Bio’s core values (impact, entrepreneurship, teamwork).

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Physical Demands:
  • The role requires regular and repetitive physical exertion, including standing, bending, and reaching.
  • Requires the ability to safely handle hazardous materials, including cell and tissue specimens.
  • Must be able to perform fine manipulation with hands and fingers.
• Work Environment:
  • Work is performed primarily in a laboratory setting.
  • The role requires adherence to strict safety protocols and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required by company and OSHA standards.
  • May require working occasional overtime, weekends, and holidays to meet business needs.

Our Core Values:

We are a dynamic and diverse team that lives by the culture of One Cell. One Team. We’re driven by impact, empowered to think like owners, and united by the belief that we learn and achieve more together.

At Mission Bio, our culture is built on what we believe and how we show up every day. These values guide how we work together, make decisions, and achieve meaningful results for our team, our customers, and the patients we serve.

• Impact: Work that supports our company vision, mission, and strategy. We move the company forward and create value for customers and patients.
• Entrepreneurship: An ownership mindset and a commitment to continuous learning. We take initiative, act with accountability, and stay open to new ideas and better ways of working.
• Teamwork: Collaboration that brings out our best work. Teamwork leads to the strongest outcomes through diverse perspectives, shared commitment, having each other's back, and speaking up when it matters.

What can Mission Bio offer you?

This is a salaried exempt position with a salary range between $80,000 - 100,000/annual depending on experience.

Additional Benefits We Offer:

• Annual Bonus Program: Eligibility for a company bonus tied to a mix of individual performance and company goals
• Long-Term Incentive Program: Eligibility to share in the company’s success
• Comprehensive Benefits (U.S.): Medical, dental, and vision insurance, pre-tax commuter benefits, and a 401(k)
• Onsite Work Environment: This role is based onsite to support collaboration and cross-functional partnership
• Growth & Performance Conversations: Ongoing manager-led discussions focused on role impact and development over time

Mission Bio is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.