Senior Research Associate/Associate Scientist

Aragen Life Sciences; Morgan Hill (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Aragen Bioscience, a leading CRO, seeks a motivated Research Associate/Associate Scientist to support preclinical programs. You will perform mammalian cell culture, protein detection assays, and nucleic acid analysis, contributing to drug discovery projects across multiple client programs.

Strong organization, data interpretation, and teamwork are essential in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. The role emphasizes adherence to SOPs, safety standards, and accurate record-keeping, with

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 but not required.
• Proficiency in cell culture techniques and aseptic handling.
• Experience with protein detection methods (ELISA, Western blot) and molecular biology assays (qPCR).

Responsibilities

• Perform cell culture of mammalian cell lines, including maintenance and expansion.
• Conduct protein detection assays (ELISA, Western blot, MSD, Luminex).
• Perform nucleic acid extraction and qPCR/RT-qPCR analysis.
• Execute cell-based functional assays (viability, reporter gene, proliferation).
• Maintain detailed experimental records and communicate results to teams.

Skills

Cell culture techniques

Aseptic handling

Protein detection assays

qPCR / RT-qPCR

Data analysis & reporting

Team collaboration

Scientific writing

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in molecular biology/biochemistry/related field

Tools

ELISA

Western blot

MSD/Luminex

qPCR machines

Job description

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.

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.

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