Research Associate, iPSC Applications Development

Kelly; Pleasanton (CA); On-site; USD 48,216 - 55,104; Full time

Job summary

Kelly Science & Clinical is seeking a Research Associate or Senior Research Associate for a 9-month contract-to-hire opportunity in Pleasanton, CA. The role focuses on developing iPSC-based mammalian cell culture models and preparing high-quality samples for single-cell transcriptomic applications using our platform.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellence in bench work, sterile technique, and meticulous documentation, enabling seamless collaboration with product developers and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, or related fields.
• 2–5 years of relevant industry or advanced academic laboratory experience.
• Excellence in mammalian cell culture and sterile technique.
• Proficiency in iPSC culture and differentiation, 3D/organoid culture, or primary cell isolation.
• Experience or ability to learn single-cell suspension prep from complex samples.
• Strong documentation and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Mammalian cell culture: maintain and expand iPSCs and related models.
• Monitor culture health and model integrity.
• Prepare high-quality single-cell and single-nucleus suspensions.
• Execute cell culture and perturbation experiments with senior scientists.
• Generate robust data and maintain meticulous records.
• Contribute to workflows, SOPs, and QC benchmarks.
• Manage lab operations and inventory.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Sterile technique

Documentation

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, or related fields

Tools

scRNA-seq workflows

iPSC culture

Job description

Kelly® Science & Clinical is seeking a Research Associate, iPSC Models for a 9-month contract-to-hire opportunity with one of our clients, a single-cell biology biotechnology company in Pleasanton, CA.

Position type: 9-month contract-to-hire

Workplace: Onsite in Pleasanton, CA

Pay Range: $35 - 40 per hour

About the Role

Join a pioneering biotechnology team revolutionizing how scientists measure and interpret biology. Our advanced single-cell RNA sequencing platform is setting new standards in transcriptomic analysis, empowering researchers to tackle complex questions with unprecedented precision and scalability.

We’re seeking a Research Associate or Senior Research Associate to champion cell biology within Applications Development. This position puts you at the heart of our scientific workflows: your expertise in mammalian cell culture will drive the creation of high-fidelity models and samples, serving as the cornerstone for cutting-edge transcriptomic applications. In close partnership with product developers, you’ll transform living cell systems into meticulously prepared single-cell samples optimized for our technology.

This opportunity is ideal for someone who excels at bench work, takes pride in flawless technique and cell culture mastery, and is eager to connect their laboratory skills directly to product innovation and scientific advancement.

Key Responsibilities

• Mammalian Cell Culture: Independently maintain and expand a range of cell lines — including iPSCs, iPSC-derived cell types, and complex 3D organoid models. Oversee differentiation, media prep, plating, passaging, and cryopreservation while upholding strict aseptic protocols.
• Model Integrity: Monitor culture health, morphology, and consistency, ensuring all samples meet documented standards for reproducibility and reliability in downstream assays.
• Sample Preparation: Prepare high-quality single-cell and single-nucleus suspensions from diverse sources (cells, organoids, tissue), expertly managing dissociation, viability, debris removal, and input quality control.
• Experimental Execution: Carry out cell culture, sample preparation, and perturbation experiments (compound treatments, dose-response/time course studies), collaborating with senior scientists to drive discovery.
• Data & Documentation: Generate robust, reproducible data and maintain immaculate experimental records to support team collaboration and regulatory compliance.
• Protocol Development: Contribute to the refinement and formalization of workflows, SOPs, and QC benchmarks as the team scales up.
• Lab Operations: Keep the laboratory running efficiently—managing inventory, maintaining equipment, and ensuring all supplies are ready for seamless experimentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, or related fields.
• 2–5 years of relevant industry or advanced academic laboratory experience (greater experience for the SRA position).
• Demonstrated excellence in mammalian cell culture and sterile technique—the role’s foundation.
• Proficiency in one or more: iPSC culture and differentiation, 3D/organoid culture, or primary cell isolation.
• Experience (or aptitude to quickly learn) in preparing high-quality single-cell suspensions from complex samples.
• Proven track record in executing sophisticated biological workflows, troubleshooting, and delivering reproducible results.
• Exceptional organizational skills and meticulous documentation habits.
• Comfortable thriving in a fast-paced, evolving biotech environment.

Preferred Experience

• Single-cell genomics workflows (e.g., scRNA-seq, droplet/bead systems, barcoding/cell-hashing).
• Perturbation and screening experiments (dose-response, high-content assays).
• NGS library preparation and QC methods (Bioanalyzer, TapeStation, Qubit, fragment analysis).
• Familiarity with liquid-handling automation or high-throughput sample handling.
• Basic data analysis (Python, R, or standard bioinformatics tools).
• Previous work in assay, applications, or product development labs.

What Success Looks Like

• Cellular cultures and models are consistently healthy, reliable, and ready for team use.
• Single-cell samples routinely meet the highest quality standards and QC benchmarks.
• Data is reproducible, and records are clear for seamless team collaboration.
• Application throughput and workflow reliability increase thanks to your bench excellence.
• You demonstrate growing independence, proactive problem-solving, and reinforce a collaborative culture of rigor and accountability