Senior Research Associate/Associate Scientist

Aragen; Morgan Hill (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Aragen Bioscience is a science-driven CRO accelerating therapeutic discovery through preclinical development. We seek a Research Associate/Associate Scientist to join our preclinical team, focusing on molecular and cell biology–based assays to support drug discovery.

You will work on diverse client projects in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, with emphasis on data integrity and compliance. Ideal candidates have 5–10 years of hands-on experience in molecular/cellular assays, strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related field.
• 5–10 years of hands-on lab experience; CRO experience preferred.
• Proficiency in cell culture and aseptic techniques.
• Experience with protein detection methods (ELISA, Western blot) and molecular assays (qPCR).
• Strong organization, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and learn new techniques.

Responsibilities

• Perform cell culture of mammalian cell lines, including maintenance and expansion.
• Conduct protein detection assays to measure target expression and activity.
• Perform nucleic acid extraction (DNA, RNA) and analysis using qPCR/RT-qPCR.
• Execute cell-based functional assays (viability, proliferation, cytotoxicity).
• Maintain accurate experimental records in lab notebooks and systems.
• Analyze data, generate reports, and communicate results to teams/clients.
• Assist in troubleshooting and optimizing assays for better sensitivity and reproducibility.
• Ensure SOPs and safety regulations are followed.
• Support general lab operations, including ordering and inventory management.

Skills

Cell culture

Protein detection assays

Nucleic acid extraction

Cell-based functional assays

Data analysis & reporting

Troubleshooting & optimization

SOPs & safety compliance

Laboratory operations & inventory

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Molecular Biology/Cell Biology/Biochemistry

Tools

ELISA

Western blot

qPCR

RT-qPCR

MSD

Luminex

Job description

Aragen Bioscience is a science-driven CRO committed to advancing innovative therapeutics from discovery through preclinical development. Our multidisciplinary team partners with clients worldwide to deliver high-quality, reliable research results that help bring life-saving treatments to market.

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Research Associate/Associate Scientist to join our preclinical research team at Aragen Bioscience, a leading Contract Research Organization (CRO) supporting biotech and pharmaceutical clients. The successful candidate will focus on molecular and cell biology–based assays to support drug discovery and development programs. This role offers the opportunity to work on a variety of client projects in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform cell culture of mammalian cell lines, including maintenance, expansion, cryopreservation, and transfection/transduction.
• Conduct protein detection assays (e.g., Western blot, ELISA, MSD, Luminex) to measure target expression and activity.
• Perform nucleic acid extraction (DNA, RNA) and analysis using qPCR, RT-qPCR, and related techniques.
• Execute cell-based functional assays (e.g., viability, reporter gene, proliferation, cytotoxicity assays).
• Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records in laboratory notebooks and electronic systems.
• Analyze and interpret data, generate reports, and communicate results to project teams and clients.
• Assist in troubleshooting and optimizing assays to improve sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility.
• Ensure compliance with all SOPs and safety regulations.
• Support general laboratory operations, including ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, and managing inventory.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in molecular biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or related field.
• 5-10 years of relevant hands-on laboratory experience (academic or industry); CRO experience preferred but not required.
• Proficiency in cell culture techniques and aseptic handling.
• Experience with protein detection methods (e.g., ELISA, Western blot), molecular biology assays (e.g., qPCR) and cell-based assays (e.g., cytotoxic assays, drug dose response assays).
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and willingness to learn new techniques.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work effectively in a team-oriented, client-driven environment.

Work Environment:

• This position involves working in a BSL-2 laboratory environment with human or animal-derived materials. some flexibility in work hours may be required to meet project deadlines
• Will consider Local candidates