Associate Scientist - IHC

Associate Scientist - IHC

Location: South San Francisco, CA

Onsite Flexibility: Onsite

• Position Type: Contract
• Contract Duration: 12 months
• Pay Rate: $25.00–$30.00 / Hour (USD)
• Shift /
  
  Schedule:
  
  Approximately 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM; little flexibility for start and end times
• Work Authorization: Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

This role is seeking an Associate Scientist to work in the Pathology Lab in the Translational Safety & Bioanalytical Sciences Department in South San Francisco, CA. The Associate Scientist will develop and implement specialized tissue-based assays (including multiplex assays and image analysis) to support specific portfolio‑related questions on target expression and preclinical model development. The ideal candidate will hold a BS or MS in Cellular Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related life science discipline and possess strong hands‑on laboratory experience in pathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Practical experience with staining and assay workflows is essential, and experience operating Ventana and/or Leica BOND automated staining platforms is highly desirable, as it would significantly reduce the required training period. The strongest candidates will have demonstrated expertise in assay execution and optimization, including single‑plex and/or multiplex assays, quality control practices, and the generation of reliable experimental data. They should be quick learners who can rapidly gain independence in the laboratory environment.

Given the team’s responsibility for managing multiple concurrent projects, the candidate must be highly organized, able to effectively prioritize competing activities, and comfortable multitasking. The manager is seeking someone hands‑on, trainable, appropriately aligned to the level of the role, and capable of integrating quickly into the team. Relevant laboratory experience is considered more important than whether the candidate holds a bachelor's or master's degree.

While candidates with more than 10 years of experience may be overqualified for the scope and level of this position, short employment durations should not be viewed negatively when supported by reasonable explanations, such as layoffs. Overall, the highest‑priority candidate profile combines strong IHC and pathology experience, familiarity with Ventana or Leica BOND platforms, the ability to work independently in the laboratory, and the capacity to manage multiple projects effectively.

Approximately 90% of time will be spent in the lab.

• Assist with development and implementation of histopathology assays including single and multiplex immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays, in situ hybridization (ISH), both colorimetric and immunofluorescent, and use a variety of imaging modalities.
• Assist with performing image analysis.
• Participate in and collaborate with Pathologists, Scientists, and Research Associates on multiple concurrent projects to evaluate and deliver data, contribute to early programs, and assist with determining mechanism of action and toxicity.
• Work as part of a cross‑functional team to provide tissue‑based assay development for target qualification, pharmacodynamic and efficacy readouts, and biomarker development.
• Organize and present data, including all documentation in required lab information systems and databases, as well as team communications.
• Perform IHC, scan slides, collaborate with stakeholders, and prepare reports.
• Own at least 30% of assigned project activities and deliverables.

• IHC (immunohistochemistry) and pathology laboratory experience
• Hands‑on experience with IHC assays,…