Senior Research Associate, Cancer Biology

Senior Research Associate, Cancer Biology (Crisp

R)

Location San Francisco, United States Sector Science & Research

Salary $55.00 to $70.00 per hour

A clinical-stage biotechnology company headquartered in the Bay Area is seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Associate, Cancer Biology (Crisp

R) to support in vitro oncology drug discovery efforts. This role is focused on hands‑on experimental work using cancer cell line models to evaluate compound activity, investigate mechanism of action (MoA), and support pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarker development. You will work within a collaborative team to advance early‑stage oncology programs through rigorous in‑vitro biology.

Industry
:
Discovery and Development

Location
:
South San Francisco, CA

Compensation
: $55 - $70 per hour (based upon experience)

• Design and execute in‑vitro, cell‑based assays using cancer cell lines to support oncology drug discovery programs
• Investigate mechanism of action (MoA) of compounds through functional and molecular assays
• Develop and optimize assays to evaluate compound efficacy, target engagement, and pathway modulation
• Culture and maintain a variety of human cancer cell lines under sterile conditions
• Perform assays including:
  • Cell viability and proliferation (e.g., Cell Titer‑Glo, Incu Cyte, clonogenic assays)
  • Protein and gene expression (Western blot, qPCR, ELISA)
• Contribute to pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarker identification and validation in cancer cell systems
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, and communicate findings clearly to project teams
• Troubleshoot and optimize assays to ensure reproducibility and data quality
• Collaborate cross‑functionally to support project progression in a fast‑paced research environment

• B.S. with 5+ years of M.S with 3+ years of industry experience in cancer biology or oncology drug discovery (will not consider PhD level candidates)
• Strong hands‑on experience with in‑vitro cancer cell biology, specifically working with established cancer cell lines
• Proven experience developing and executing cell‑based assays in cancer models
• Demonstrated experience supporting mechanism of action (MoA) studies
• Experience with pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarker assays (e.g., protein or gene expression readouts)
• Proficiency in standard molecular and cellular biology techniques, including Western blot, qPCR, and ELISA
• Experience with gene perturbation approaches (CRISPR, siRNA, shRNA) in cancer cell systems
• Ability to independently design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments

• Medical, Prescription, Dental & Vision Benefits (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
• Health Savings Account (HSA) (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
• Life & Disability Insurance (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
• Met Life Voluntary Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401K Retirement Savings Plan
• Direct Deposit & weekly epayroll
• Referral Bonus Programs
• Certification and training opportunities

Note:

Any pay ranges displayed are estimations. Actual pay is determined by an applicant's experience, technical expertise, and other qualifications as listed in the job description.

Yoh, a Day & Zimmermann company, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Visit  to contact us if you are an individual with a disability and require accommodation in the application process.

For California applicants, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. All of the material job duties described in this posting are job duties for which a criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship potentially resulting in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.