Research Associate I

Research Associate I

Foster City, CA, United States | Posted on 08/04/2026

Our client, a world leader in Biotechnology and Pharma, is seeking a "
Research Associate I” based at
Foster City, CA.

Responsibilities:

Our client, a leading biotechnology company focused on developing next-generation cell therapies, is seeking a
Research Associate – Automation & Flow Cytometry
to join its growing research team. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career scientist with experience in
cell culture, flow cytometry, and laboratory automation
to contribute to cutting-edge cell therapy development.

The ideal candidate will support automation workflows, maintain flow cytometry instrumentation, perform mammalian cell culture, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to generate high-quality experimental data.

• Develop, implement, and optimize automated workflows to support high-throughput cell-based assays.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory automation platforms, including liquid handling systems such as
  Bravo, Assist Plus, and Mantis
  .
• Perform routine quality control (QC), calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of
  flow cytometry instruments
  .
• Conduct aseptic mammalian cell culture of both
  adherent and suspension cell lines
  .
• Execute laboratory experiments following established protocols and document results accurately.
• Collaborate with scientists and cross-functional teams to achieve research milestones and project objectives.
• Manage laboratory inventory, cell line inventory, reagents, consumables, and equipment.
• Maintain accurate experimental records using
  Benchling
  , Microsoft Office, and other laboratory software.
• Analyze experimental data and present findings during team meetings.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety procedures and established scientific best practices.

• Bachelor's degree in
  Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology
  , or a related life sciences discipline with6 months to 1 year of laboratory experience
  ,
  OR
• Master's degree in a related scientific field with no prior industry experience required.
• Basic understanding of laboratory automation systems and liquid handling platforms.
• Fundamental knowledge of
  flow cytometry principles and applications
  .
• Hands-on experience performing
  aseptic mammalian cell culture
  of adherent and suspension cell lines.
• Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced research environment.

• Experience working with automated liquid handling systems (Bravo, Assist Plus, Mantis, or similar).
• Familiarity with
  Benchling
  or other electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) systems.
• Experience supporting high-throughput screening or automation workflows.
• Knowledge of cell therapy, immunology, or molecular biology research.
• Self-motivated with a proactive, detail-oriented approach and a strong sense of ownership.

• Flow Cytometry
• Mammalian Cell Culture
• Laboratory Automation

Molecular & Cell Biology, Flow Cytometry, Mammalian Cell Culture, ELN, Liquid Handler