Senior Research Associate (Molecular Contract)

The Fountain Group; San Carlos (CA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Fountain Group is seeking a Senior Research Associate in San Carlos, CA to support antibody discovery and therapeutic development. Plan and execute molecular biology experiments and operate flow cytometry assays to characterize immune cell populations.

Candidates with a Bachelor's in Biology or related field and 3+ years of lab experience (or 2+ years with a Master) are encouraged. This 6-month assignment may extend or convert based on performance and budget.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• 3+ years of relevant lab experience with a Bachelor’s degree or 2+ years with a Master’s degree.
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques including PCR, cloning and nucleic acid extraction.
• Experience with primary cell processing and flow cytometry preferred.
• Experience working with E. coli and/or Saccharomyces cerevisiae preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute molecular biology experiments, including PCR, cloning, and nucleic acid extraction.
• Process primary cell samples and perform flow cytometry assays to characterize immune cell populations.
• Maintain and work with E. coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae cultures in support of recombinant antibody research.
• Design and optimize experimental protocols, troubleshoot technical challenges, and contribute to new product development initiatives.
• Compile, analyze, and interpret experimental data to support study reports, project decisions, and development activities.
• Prepare and present PowerPoint presentations summarizing experimental progress, results, and recommendations to project teams.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive laboratory documentation and communicate findings to cross‑functional teams.
• Coordinate experimental activities with functional groups and project teams to support timelines and pipeline objectives.
• Perform additional laboratory and research activities as needed to support a fast‑paced antibody therapeutics environment.

Skills

PCR

Cloning

Nucleic acid extraction

Flow cytometry

Cell culture

Experiment planning

Data interpretation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

The Fountain Group is currently seeking a Senior Research Associate for a prominent client of ours. This position is located in San Carlos, CA. Details for the position are as follows:

• Pay: $34-45/hr.
• 6-month assignment with possibility for extension or conversion based on performance and budget.

Responsibilities:

• Plan and execute molecular biology experiments, including PCR, cloning, and nucleic acid extraction, to support antibody discovery and therapeutic development.
• Process primary cell samples and perform flow cytometry assays to characterize immune cell populations and evaluate experimental results.
• Maintain and work with E. coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae cultures in support of recombinant antibody research.
• Design and optimize experimental protocols, troubleshoot technical challenges, and contribute to new product development initiatives.
• Compile, analyze, and interpret experimental data to support study reports, project decisions, and development activities.
• Prepare and present PowerPoint presentations summarizing experimental progress, results, and recommendations to project teams.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive laboratory documentation and communicate findings to cross‑functional teams.
• Coordinate experimental activities with functional groups and project teams to support timelines and pipeline objectives.
• Perform additional laboratory and research activities as needed to support a fast‑paced antibody therapeutics environment.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related scientific discipline; Master’s degree preferred.
• 3+ years of relevant laboratory experience with a Bachelor’s degree or 2+ years with a Master’s degree.
• Proficiency in one or more molecular biology techniques, including PCR, cloning, and nucleic acid extraction.
• Experience with primary cell processing and flow cytometry preferred.
• Experience working with E. coli and/or Saccharomyces cerevisiae preferred.
• Ability to independently plan and execute experiments with minimal technical supervision.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint and Excel.