Research Associate II (Temporary)

Cellanome; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Health plans

401(k)

Job summary

Cellanome in San Diego is hiring a Research Associate 2 for a temporary six-month project. The RA will execute end-to-end workflows on the Cellanome R3200 platform, processing living cells through multi-day assays and converting them into sequencing-ready libraries.

This role requires weekend coverage as part of every schedule, with responsibilities including following SOPs, documenting in the LIMS, and collaborating with lab development teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in cell biology or related field.
• 2+ years in a lab environment with cell culture techniques and assays.
• Weekend coverage required.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow protocols precisely.
• Experience with lab automation and LIMS; Hamilton a plus.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Process samples end to end: prepare cells, run instruments, oversee library prep, QC.
• Follow SOPs and document steps in real time in the LIMS.
• Support troubleshooting with lab development and other teams.
• Help improve processes via feedback to LIMS and lab development.
• Onboard and execute new processes transferred from development team as the menu expands.
• Maintain safety and a clean, organized workspace.

Skills

Cell biology

Molecular biology

Lab automation

LIMS

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in cell biology or molecular biology

Tools

Hamilton automation

NGS library prep

Job description

We’re a well-funded start-up . You’ll get a chance to wear many hats, be a part of a growing team, and have the potential for exciting financial and career growth. Here’s what sets us apart. We’ve set our sights on some of the biggest challenges facing biology today. We’re amassing a world class team of engineers, scientists, team builders and problem solvers to tackle these challenges heads‑on. We’re passionate about developing the next generation technologies that will unravel the complexities of biology. This is a unique opportunity to build, be part of an exciting start‑up and be surrounded by good humans who are super capable, humble and down‑to‑ earth. We are currently hiring a Research Associate 2 for a temporary six‑month project .

Research Associate 2

The Research Associate 2 will be responsible for executing high-quality end-to-end workflows on the Cellanome R3200 platform in support of a variety of concierge to large-scale commercial service contracts. The RA will utilize their cell biology experience to process living cells through multi‑day assays, and their molecular biology experience to convert those same cells into sequencing‑ready libraries.

Please note: this is a weekend inclusive schedule. All shifts for this role include one or two weekend days. Weekend coverage is a regular, ongoing part of the p osition .

Essential Duties

• Process samples end to end: prepare and assess cells, set up and monitor instrument runs, oversee automated library prep, and perform final library QC.
• Follow SOPs precisely and document all steps, observations, and deviations in the LIMS in real time.
• Support troubleshooting with the lab development and other internal teams.
• Help improve the existing process by providing feedback and ideas to the LIMS and lab development team.
• Onboard and execute new processes transferred from the development team as the menu expands.
• Follow laboratory safety protocols and maintain a clean and organized work environment.
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs for approximately 15% of typical working day.
• Ability to grasp with both hands; pinch with thumb and forefinger; turn with hand/arm; reach above shoulder height Ability to comply with personal protective equipment requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in cell biology, molecular biology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working in a laboratory environment and hands‑on experience with cell culture techniques and assays.
• All shifts include one or two weekend days. Candidates must be available to work a schedule that includes regular weekend coverage.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow protocols precisely.
• Experience with lab automation and LIMS; Hamilton a plus.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues.
• Demonstrated ability to perform the Essential Duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience with NGS library preparation and/or mammalian cell culture; experience with both is strongly preferred.
• Experience with laboratory automation and liquid‑handling platforms is a strong plus, particularly in combination with library preparation experience.

The estimated base salary range for this position is $75,000 - $85,000/year. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

What you can expect from us:

You’ll feel the energy when you walk in our door – we work hard, we have fun and we have ambitious plans to grow. Cellanome offers a comprehensive employment package that includes a competitive salary, generous stock options, great individual, and family health plans, a 401(k) and flexibility to balance work and life.

We embrace and celebrate the diversity of our employees. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital or parental status, disability, veteran status, or other class protected by applicable law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.