Research Associate II; Spatial Genomics

Position: Research Associate II (Spatial Genomics)

Location: San Jose, CA

Reports to:

Staff Scientist

FLSA Class:
Exempt

Takara Bio USA (TBUSA) empowers life science discovery. We bring innovation and inspiration to every scientist - promoting discoveries that improve health and the environment. We hold values that all employees and prospective candidates should demonstrate:
Innovation, Teamwork, Integrity, Respect, Growth, Diversity and Quality. We value helping employees develop their skills and you will be part of this journey!

At Takara Bio, we know that every experimental decision has an impact. Choices matter, from design to data analysis. We create best-in-class products that get the job done. In your hands, what do those research reagents and kits create? Something powerful: knowledge, understanding, and—often—hope! Together we can improve the human condition through biotechnology…and That's Good Science!

The Research Associate II is responsible for assisting and working with research staff in the design, execution, and analysis of experiments aimed at developing new tools and reagents for life science. The Research Associate II works primarily in the laboratory to conduct relevant experiments and complex tasks under minimal supervision of other senior research associates or scientists.

The Research Associate II role is lab-based in San Jose, CA.

You will independently plan and execute day-to-day laboratory activities to meet project timelines, aligning experimental approaches with defined scientific objectives and constraints. Your role involves assisting in the integration and interpretation of data from multiple experimental platforms to identify trends, sources of variability, and inconsistencies, while clearly communicating progress, challenges, and results to the staff scientist, project teams, and stakeholders. You are comfortable working closely with cross-functional partners (such as operations, quality, and engineering) and have a passion for learning and translating project needs into actionable laboratory workflows.

This is an exciting opportunity to grow scientifically and contribute to the development of innovative technologies in a rapidly evolving field.

• Works primarily in the laboratory to conduct experiments under supervision of other senior research associates or scientists.
• Executes routine experiments by selecting and performing appropriate techniques following general guidance or protocol. Performs more complex tasks with appropriate guidance from supervisor.
• Conduct experiments through product development launch cycle from feasibility test through transfer to manufacturing.
• Utilizes literature reviews, protocols, SOPs and prior laboratory experience to assist with experimental design, assay development, and workflow optimization.
• Accurately records procedures, materials used and results obtained, enabling others to understand and reproduce results.
• Prepares technical reports, summarizing experiments done including an analysis of results obtained, and contributes to development of follow-on experiments.
• Assists in the preparation and reviewing of technical documents including work instructions and user manuals.
• Shares responsibility for general laboratory maintenance and housekeeping, including organization and purchasing of laboratory reagents and maintaining laboratory stocks.
• May provide technical training to other laboratory personnel.
• This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

• BA, BS or MS degree in relevant scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 2 – 5 years related experience.
• Demonstrated ability to perform a range of general laboratory procedures independently.
• Accurate note-taking ability.
• Adaptable to shifting demands, priorities, and timelines.
• Strong hands‑on experience with molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, qPCR, library prep, nucleic acid handling).
• Experience working with NGS‑based assays or genomics platforms.
• Experience…