Research Associate Support Resource - Molecular Biology & Cell-based Assay(Analytical Development)

SGS Consulting; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

SGS Consulting is seeking a skilled scientist to develop, optimize, and execute analytical assays for proteins, DNA, and AAV nanoparticles in a fast-paced biotech setting.

You will perform routine testing, transfer assays to internal teams, document procedures, analyze data, and present results in meetings, contributing to cross-functional projects and workflow improvements.

Qualifications

• Experience with AAV and analytical method development.
• Proficiency in ddPCR/qPCR, ELISA, and cell-based assays.
• Strong sterile technique and mammalian cell culture experience.
• Molecular biology techniques including DNA/RNA isolation and RT-PCR.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and execute analytical assays for proteins, DNA, AAV nanoparticles, and related cell-based assays.
• Perform routine testing using SOPs and regulatory guidelines (ddPCR/qPCR, ELISA, mammalian cell-based assays).
• Support assay transfer to internal partners (QC, testing, research teams) including documentation and troubleshooting.
• Analyze data, assess quality, determine applicability to goals, and make data-driven recommendations.
• Author, review, and revise experimental procedures, protocols, and technical reports.
• Maintain compliant records in notebooks, ELN, and data systems.
• Summarize and present results in meetings and contribute to report writing.
• Collaborate across teams to improve workflows.

Skills

Mammalian cell-based assays

qPCR/ddPCR

ELISA

Sterile technique

Molecular biology techniques

Experiment planning & documentation

Data analysis & statistics

Communication skills

MS Office & data tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology/Biochemistry/Molecular Biology

Tools

ELN

PCR instruments

Excel/Office

Job description

Job Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and execute analytical assays for proteins, DNA, adeno-associated viral (AAV) nanoparticles, and related cell-based assays.
• Perform routine testing using established SOPs and applicable regulatory guidelines, including ddPCR/qPCR, ELISA, and mammalian cell-based assays.
• Support assay transfer to internal partners (QC, testing, and research teams), including documentation, troubleshooting, and method comparability.
• Analyze experimental data, assess data quality, determine applicability to project goals, draw conclusions, and make data-driven recommendations.
• Author, review, and revise experimental procedures, protocols, and technical reports.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant records of analytical development activities in laboratory notebooks, ELN, and data systems.
• Summarize and present experimental results in meetings and participate in report writing.
• Contribute to a collaborative laboratory environment by sharing technical insights, supporting cross-functional projects, and improving workflows.

Skills

• Proficiency in mammalian cell-based assays and PCR-based assays (qPCR, ddPCR).
• Hands-on experience performing quantitative assays such as ELISA for characterization of proteins, nucleic acids, viruses, or other biological products.
• Strong experience with sterile technique and mammalian cell culture, including cell maintenance, expansion, characterization, and banking.
• Working knowledge of molecular biology techniques including DNA/RNA/protein isolation, cDNA synthesis, RT-PCR, qPCR, and digital PCR.
• Ability to independently plan, execute, troubleshoot, and document experiments in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and commitment to generating high-quality, reproducible data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for presenting technical data to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard data analysis and documentation tools.

Education / Experience

• Experience working with Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV).
• Experience in analytical method development and assay transfer.
• Experience in basic statistical analysis.
• B.S. in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline.
• 1+ years of industry experience in pharmaceutical or biotechnology environments.