Sr Research Associate - Molecular Biology

Aspen Neuroscience, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 81,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Aspen Neuroscience, Inc. in San Diego is seeking a Senior Research Associate to independently execute and optimize complex research activities supporting cell therapy programs.

You will perform translational and molecular biology workflows, analyze data, troubleshoot challenges, and contribute to experimental planning while collaborating with R&D teams. The role requires strong laboratory skills, hands-on sequencing experience, and the ability to maintain detailed, audit-ready records.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry or related disciplines is required.
• Hands-on experience with next-generation sequencing workflows including library preparation and QC.
• Experience with single-cell or single-nucleus RNA sequencing is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with data analysis tools and programming languages such as R or Python is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Execute and optimize single cell and single nucleus RNA sequencing workflows.
• Perform nucleic acid isolation, PCR/qPCR, sequencing-related assays, and LC-MS sample preparation when needed.
• Support cell culture workflows and collaborate with R&D scientists and cross-functional partners.
• Maintain audit-ready notebooks and documentation in accordance with quality requirements.
• Prepare figures, data summaries, and technical reports for internal reviews.

Skills

Molecular biology

RNA sequencing

Data analysis

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology/biochemistry

Tools

R

Python

Bash

Job description

The Senior Research Associate independently executes complex research and development activities supporting the development and characterization of the company’s cell therapy programs. Working with minimal supervision, this role performs and optimizes translational and molecular biology workflows, analyzes and interprets experimental data, troubleshoots technical challenges, and contributes to experimental planning and method development. The position collaborates with R&D and cross-functional teams and serves as a technical resource in support of project and research objectives.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Independently execute and optimize single cell and single nucleus RNA sequencing workflows, including cell thawing and counting, sample preparation, library preparation, library quality control, and preparation of libraries for sequencing.
• Execute molecular biology and biomarker assay workflows including nucleic acid isolation, PCR, qPCR, sequencing related assays, and sample preparation and processing for LC-MS based analyses.
• Support cell culture workflows and perform other research and development activities in collaboration R&D scientists and cross-functional partners.
• Make detailed observations; compile, analyze, and interpret experimental and sequencing data; assess data quality; summarize conclusions; and communicate findings to supervisors and the broader R&D team.
• Independently troubleshoot technical issues involving experimental design, assay execution, sequencing workflows, instrumentation, and data quality; recommend and implement solutions within established project objectives.
• Contribute to experimental planning, assay optimization, quality-control strategy, and method development to meet evolving project and translational research needs.
• Evaluate, develop, optimize, and implement new methods, assays, and technologies to advance assigned projects and platform capabilities.
• Independently maintain complete, accurate, and audit-ready laboratory notebooks, experimental records, protocols, and data documentation in accordance with applicable quality and documentation requirements.
• Prepare figures, data summaries, protocols, technical reports, and other documentation for internal reviews, project discussions, and knowledge sharing.
• Maintain laboratory organization and the readiness of equipment, reagents, consumables, and general laboratory supplies.
• Serve as a technical resource within areas of expertise and support training, knowledge sharing, and laboratory best practices.
• Maintain current knowledge of relevant scientific literature, translational research methods, sequencing technologies, biomarker applications, and emerging industry practices while complying with applicable safety, training, and quality requirements.
• May participate in scientific conferences and contribute to scientific publications, internal presentations, or other scientific communications, as appropriate.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry or related disciplines is required.
• A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in molecular biology or a related laboratory setting is preferred; or equivalent and relevant combination of education and experience.
• Hands-on experience with next-generation sequencing workflows, including sample preparation, library preparation, library quality control, and sequencing-readiness activities.
• Experience with single-cell or single-nucleus RNA sequencing is strongly preferred.
• Experience with molecular biology and translational assay workflows, including nucleic acid isolation, PCR/qPCR, biomarker analysis, biological sample processing, and preparation for downstream analyses. Experience with LC-MS sample preparation is preferred.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS:

• Technical Proficiency: Strong molecular and cell biology laboratory skills and a solid understanding of scientific principles, with the ability to independently execute and optimize workflows.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess data quality, interpret experimental results, troubleshoot technical issues, and draw appropriate conclusions.
• Data Analysis & Presentation: Ability to efficiently organize, analyze, interpret, and present experimental and sequencing data to scientific and cross-functional audiences.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly document procedures and results, communicate scientific findings, and collaborate effectively across teams.
• Organization & Documentation: Excellent organizational skills with demonstrated ability to maintain thorough, accurate experimental records, laboratory notebooks, protocols, and supporting documentation.
• Collaboration & Adaptability: Ability to work effectively in cross-functional and team-based environments, adapt to changing project priorities, and share technical knowledge and best practices with colleagues.
• Professional Scientific Expertise: Maintains current knowledge of relevant scientific literature, technologies, and industry best practices while complying with applicable safety, training, and quality requirements.
• Technology & Computational Skills: Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and familiarity with data analysis tools or programming languages such as R, Python, or Bash.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional weekends, as needed to support experiments, sample processing, sequencing runs, or project timelines.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Office and Lab environment. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. This is an indoor position requiring the ability to perform experiments in the laboratory, and type and use a computer.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is Regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. These work environment characteristics are representative of the environment the job holder will encounter. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in San Diego is $81,000-$100,000 annually. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience within the industry, education, etc. Aspen Neuroscience is multi-state employer, and this salary range may not reflect positions that work in other states.