Overview
Research Associate – Protein Science & Cell Biology – Job ID: 254955 Jobs in San Francisco Bay Area at Medix™
Title: Research Associate – Protein Science & Cell Biology – Job ID: 254955
Company: Medix™
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Research Associate, Protein Science & Cell Biology (Contract-to-Hire)
Client Industry: Next-Generation, Automated Biotechnology Platform
Location: San Francisco, CA 94103 (On-site / Bay Area Local)
Employment Type: 9-Month Contract-to-Hire
Pay: $38 – $55/hr
Schedule Options: Weekdays, 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM or Weekends, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Job Summary
Are you a hands-on researcher who loves being at the bench? Do you take pride in rigorous, reproducible science and thrive in a fast-paced industry lab?
Medix is partnering with an innovative, venture-backed biotechnology company in San Francisco to find two (2) highly motivated Research Associates to join their team. This is a 9-month contract-to-hire position operating on an advanced, automated laboratory platform. You will work closely with a cross-functional team of scientists and engineers to execute, validate, and optimize protein characterization workflows and cell-based assays.
Key Responsibilities
As a Contract-to-Hire Research Associate, you will independently own and execute experimental workflows, ensuring high-quality data generation for an advanced laboratory platform. Your core duties will include:
- Protein Expression: Execute protein expression experiments across multiple host systems (e.g., mammalian, E. coli, cell-free) at various scales, from small-scale screens to larger production runs.
- Biophysical Characterization: Run protein characterization assays, including SPR, BLI, DSF/DSC, and various developability assays.
- Cell-Based Assays: Perform cell-based binding and functional assays to evaluate candidates against cell-surface targets and assess functional activity.
- Lab Operations: Own day-to-day operation and organization of the cell culture facility, including routine passaging using sterile technique, inventory management, and equipment maintenance.
- Documentation & SOPs: Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records in Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN) and contribute to SOP development.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with scientists and cross-functional team members to ensure smooth handoffs and timely execution across the protein screening and characterization workflow.
Qualifications & Experience
We are looking for candidates who have spent years honing their craft at the bench and can operate with a high degree of independence.
- Education: B.S., B.A., or M.S. in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline.
- Industry Experience:
- With B.S./B.A.: 4–6 years of hands-on, industry lab experience in protein science.
- With M.S.: 2–4 years of hands-on, industry lab experience in protein science.
- Protein Expression Expertise: Demonstrated experience with mammalian cell lines (e.g., Expi293, ExpiCHO) and/or microbial systems.
- Characterization Skills: Strong hands-on experience with high-throughput protein quality control and biophysical characterization.
- Cell Culture: Experience maintaining mammalian cell lines and performing cell-based assays in an industry setting, including flow cytometry.
- Professional Attributes: Strong documentation habits, excellent attention to detail, a scrappy, can-do attitude, and the ability to work independently on defined tasks.
- Availability: Must be locally based in the Bay Area and ready for a fast turnaround/immediate start for contract placement.
Bonus Points (Preferred, but not required):
- Familiarity with developability assessment assays (HIC, AC-SINS, PSR, or similar).
- Familiarity with analytical characterization techniques such as HPLC-SEC, HPLC-HIC, or FACS-based binding assays.
- Familiarity with imaging-based cell assays (e.g., high-content imaging, fluorescence microscopy).
- Experience with cell-free protein expression or specialized enzyme workflows.
- Comfort or experience working with lab automation or high-throughput robotics platforms.
Why Apply Through Medix?
Medix is dedicated to placing talented laboratory professionals into high-impact roles with top-tier biotech companies. This contract-to-hire opportunity offers a clear pathway to permanent employment with an exceptionally innovative company that is reshaping laboratory workflows.
How to Apply
If you are a Bay Area local, immediately available, and ready to jump into a fast-paced, high-impact role, apply today! Please submit your resume to Medix, highlighting your hands-on industry experience in protein science and cell culture.
