Research Associate II, Bioprocess Development

Prolific Machines is ushering in a new era of biotechnology with light. Our mission is to make next‑generation therapies broadly available to patients. Our first‑of‑its‑kind photomolecular platform uses light to precisely guide how cells produce complex biologics, enabling higher titers, improved quality, and faster development timelines. By helping partners overcome today’s manufacturing bottlenecks, we’re accelerating the delivery of life‑changing medicines. Prolific is supported by leading investors, including Bill Gates’s Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Mayfield, and SOSV.

Help us create a brighter tomorrow with biology. We’re looking for mission‑driven, talented, and kind people to join our team.

We’re looking for a Research Associate II to execute upstream cell culture process development experiments, including the setup and operation of small‑scale bioreactors and sampling of cell culture material. A successful candidate in this role will bring hands‑on experience in mammalian cell culture process development and the ability to jump in quickly, working alongside senior engineers to advance process development objectives while maintaining rigorous data integrity.

This role will be based on‑site in Emeryville, CA. The contract is expected to last for up to 6 months with the possibility of extension or conversion to full‑time employee at the end of the term.

• Under supervision of senior engineers, execute upstream process development experiments, including the setup and takedown of operations, daily monitoring of cell culture health and performance, and routine sampling for in‑process analysis.
• Perform mammalian cell culture operations using aseptic technique, including media and solution preparation, cell passaging and expansion, and inoculation of shake flasks and small‑scale bioreactors.
• Operate and monitor small‑scale bioreactors, tracking key process parameters and carrying out simple harvest of bench‑scale cultures.
• Collaborate with senior engineers to troubleshoot routine process challenges and summarize results to support experimental decision‑making.
• Maintain electronic lab notebooks for all experiments and ensure data integrity and good documentation practices are upheld throughout the course of each study.

• Hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related life science field, with 2+ years of industry experience in cell culture or upstream process development. Candidates without a degree but with similar industry experience are encouraged to apply.
• Have thorough knowledge and hands‑on experience in mammalian cell culture techniques, including aseptic technique, media preparation, and cell passaging. Should also have experience operating bench‑scale bioreactors and performing cell culture sampling and analysis. Experience with Eppendorf DASbox™ and Sartorius Biostat™ B-DCU systems is a plus.
• Able to ramp up quickly and contribute independently to ongoing process development work in a fast‑paced, collaborative laboratory environment.
• Comfortable with cell culture analytics and instrumentation (e.g., Bio Profile™ FLEX2, Vi-CELL BLU, Cedex™ Bio HT) and be able to interpret in‑process data.
• Detail‑oriented with a strong commitment to safety, quality, good documentation practices, and accurate electronic lab notebook record‑keeping.
• Excited to work with internal and external clients to deliver project excellence.
• Have strong communication skills and comfortable sharing knowledge at multiple levels of technical detail.
• Self‑motivated, organized, and able to manage multiple concurrent experiments while collaborating effectively across functional teams.

$40-48 an hour. This contract role is a nonexempt, hourly position and is eligible for overtime pay. Starting pay will be dependent upon specific experience, knowledge, and skillset. The range for the RA II level will typically fall between $40-$48/hour.

Prolific Machines values diverse perspectives, backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where all employees can bring their authentic selves to work and have equal opportunities to succeed. Prolific Machines is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

San Francisco Bay Area (Emeryville, CA)