Research Associate (Adeno-Associated Virus)

Job Description:

Research Associate, Mol Bio & Cell-based Assay, Analytical Development

The Role

The contractor Research Associate will work closely with the Analytical Development team in the Tech Dev department to help methods development and test samples utilizing PCR, ELISA, Gel Electrophoresis, cell-based and other assays; as well as to contribute to design and performing experiments with supervision as needed; complete assigned tasks within time frames with high quality; maintain a well-documented record of activities in ELN and reports. Additionally, the role includes regularly summarizing and presenting experimental results in meetings and participating in report writing. Work in a collaborative, hypothesis-driven laboratory environment. The position level will be commensurate with education and experience level. This role will be at our South San Francisco R&D facility.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize and execute analytical assays for proteins, DNA, adeno associated viral (AAV) nanoparticles and related cell-based assay.
• Perform routine testing using established SOPs and applicable regulatory guidelines, including but not limited to ddPCR/qPCR, ELISA, and mammalian cell-based assays.
• Support assay transfer to internal partners (QC, testing, and research teams), including documentation, troubleshooting, and method comparability.
• Analyze experimental data, assess data quality, and determine applicability to project goals; draw conclusions and make data-driven recommendations.
• Author, review, and revise experimental procedures, protocols, and technical reports.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant records of all analytical development activities in laboratory notebooks and data systems.
• Contribute to a collaborative laboratory environment by sharing technical insights, supporting cross-functional projects, and continuously improving workflows.

About you / Must-Have/Required:

• S. in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline, with 1+ years of industry experience in pharmaceutical or biotechnology settings.
• Demonstrated proficiency with mammalian cell-based assays and PCR-based assays (qPCR, ddPCR)
• Hands-on experience performing quantitative assays (e.g. ELISA), for the characterization of proteins, nucleic acids, viruses or other biological products.
• Strong hands-on experience with sterile technique and mammalian cell culture, including cell maintenance, expansion, characterization, and banking.
• Working knowledge of core molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA/protein isolation, cDNA synthesis, RT-PCR, qPCR, digital PCR).
• Ability to independently plan, execute, and document experiments, while thriving in a collaborative, fast-paced team environment.
• Strong analytical thinking with attention to detail and a commitment to generating high-quality, reproducible data.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot assays and propose experimental improvements. Comfort with interpreting unexpected results and recommending next steps.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly present technical data to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard data analysis and documentation tools.

May Have/Preferred

• Experience working with Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV).
• Experience in analytical method development and assay transfer.
• Experience in basic statistical analysis.