Research Associate I

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

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 with 6 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
• Liquid Handling Systems (Bravo, Assist Plus, Mantis)
• Aseptic Techniques
• Cell‑Based Assays
• Benchling
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Laboratory Documentation
• Experimental Data Analysis