Senior Research Associate

Belcan Corporation; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k)

Education assistance

Paid time off (PTO)

Job summary

Belcan seeks a Senior Research Associate in South San Francisco to design, execute, and analyze experiments for solid tumor biology and immuno-oncology programs. You will work with organoid and primary samples, maintaining rigorous documentation in a fast-paced lab.

The role requires hands-on lab work, strong data generation, and collaboration with cross-functional teams. Prior experience with 3D models and immune assays is essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Sciences or related field.
• 1–2 years of research experience in an academic or industry lab.
• Experience with organoid culture or advanced 3D cellular models.
• Strong mammalian cell culture skills including sterile technique, maintenance, and assay prep.
• Experience with T cell biology and immune-cell-based assays.
• Knowledge of current molecular, cellular, and immunology assays.

Responsibilities

• Culture, maintain, expand, and characterize mammalian cells, organoids, tumoroids, and other 2D/3D models.
• Perform molecular, cellular, and immunology assays supporting oncology and immuno-oncology programs.
• Design and execute experiments using qPCR, ELISA, Western blotting, imaging-based assays, viability assays, and cytokine assays.
• Support organoid/tumoroid assay development for solid tumor models.
• Conduct immune-cell-based functional assays (TDCC, ADCC, T cell activation, cytokine release).
• Perform flow cytometry sample prep, staining, acquisition, and analysis.
• Work with primary immune cells and/or tumor samples to assess anti-tumor activity.
• Analyze and present results to project teams; troubleshoot challenges.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Organoid culture

Immunology assays

Flow cytometry

qPCR

ELISA

Western blotting

Data analysis

Experimental design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Sciences/Immunology/Molecular Biology

Master's degree in Biomedical Sciences/Immunology/Molecular Biology

Tools

Flow cytometer

Job description

Description:

Job Title: Senior Research Associate

Location: South San Francisco, CA

Zip Code: 94080

Duration: 7 Months

Pay Rate: $48/hr.

Keyword's: #SouthSanFranciscojobs; #ResearchAssociatejobs;

Start Date: Immediate

We provide a competitive pay and benefits package. This position is offering a pay range of $48/hr. however, Belcan considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to education, experience, geographic location, and discipline. Benefits offered may include health care, dental, vision, life insurance; 401(k); education assistance; paid time off including PTO, holidays, and any other paid leave required by law.

DESCRIPTION:

Position Summary

The Senior Research Associate will design, execute, and analyze experiments that support discovery and translational research programs in solid tumor biology and immuno-oncology. The successful candidate will work closely with scientists and cross-functional partners to generate high-quality data using organoid, tumoroid, primary sample, mammalian cell culture, and immune-cell-based assay systems.

This is a laboratory-based role requiring strong technical execution, careful experimental documentation, and the ability to troubleshoot complex biological systems. The ideal candidate is scientifically curious, collaborative, organized, and comfortable working in a fast-paced research environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Culture, maintain, expand, and characterize mammalian cell lines, organoids, tumoroids, and other advanced 2D/3D cellular models.
• Perform molecular, cellular, and immunology-based assays to support oncology and immuno-oncology research programs.
• Design and execute experiments using techniques such as qPCR, ELISA, Western blotting, imaging-based assays, viability/proliferation assays, cytokine assays, and other standard molecular biology and immunoassay workflows.
• Support development and optimization of organoid/tumoroid assays using solid tumor models and, where applicable, patient-derived or primary samples.
• Conduct immune-cell-based functional assays, including T cell activation, T cell killing, TDCC, ADCC, cytokine release, and related immuno-oncology assays.
• Conduct flow cytometry experiments, including sample preparation, staining, acquisition, and analysis, where relevant to program needs.
• Work with primary immune cells and/or tumor samples to evaluate immune-mediated anti-tumor activity.
• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental results to project teams.
• Troubleshoot experimental challenges and contribute ideas for assay improvement.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor"s degree in Biomedical Sciences, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Cancer Biology, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 1-2 year of research experience in an academic or industry lab.
• Hands-on experience with organoid culture or other advanced 3D cellular model systems.
• Strong experience with mammalian cell culture, including sterile technique, cell maintenance, expansion, banking, and assay preparation.
• Experience with T cell biology and immune-cell-based assay systems.
• Working knowledge of current molecular, cellular, and immunology-based assays.
• Experience with functional immunoassays such as TDCC, ADCC, T cell activation, immune-cell killing assays, cytokine release assays, or related workflows.
• Ability to generate reliable, reproducible data and communicate results clearly.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master"s degree in Biomedical Sciences, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Cancer Biology, or a related field.
• Experience with flow cytometry, including staining panel execution, data acquisition, and analysis.
• Experience working with primary human samples, patient-derived models, organoids, tumoroids, primary immune cells, or ex vivo tumor systems.
• Experience in solid tumor biology, tumor microenvironment biology, cancer immunology, or translational oncology.
• Experience developing, optimizing, or troubleshooting immune-cell-based functional assays in complex tumor or co-culture systems.
• Familiarity with assay development, optimization, and troubleshooting in complex biological systems.
• Experience with data analysis tools such as GraphPad Prism, FlowJo, Excel, or similar platforms.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a rigorous experimentalist who enjoys hands-on lab work and takes ownership of generating high-quality data. They are comfortable working with complex cellular and immune-cell-based systems, including organoids, tumoroids, primary samples, and T cell functional assays. They can manage multiple experiments in parallel, troubleshoot challenging biology, and communicate clearly with scientific colleagues. They bring both technical depth and a collaborative mindset, with a strong interest in applying tumor biology and immunology to the development of new therapies for patients with cancer.

What Client Offers

Client offers the opportunity to contribute to innovative science aimed at improving patients" lives. Employees are part of a global R&D organization with research sites and innovation centers across major scientific ecosystems, including Boston, South San Francisco, and Tsukuba.

Client provides a competitive total rewards package, including health and wellness benefits, reward opportunities, and employee programs that support physical, financial, emotional, social, and professional well-being. The company also emphasizes learning, career development, inclusion, and collaboration across a global organization.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Client is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and diverse workplace. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and experiences who are excited to contribute to meaningful science and patient-focused innovation.

Belcan is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, colour, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.