Research Associate, Cell Line Development Automation

Prolific Machines•Emeryville, CA

1d•$85,000 - $115,000•Onsite

About The Position

Prolific Machines is seeking a Research Associate II or Senior Research Associate to join its Automation/Cell Line Development (CLD) team. The role focuses on laboratory automation and high-throughput workflows, developing and optimizing automated processes that support cell line development, contributing to pipeline projects, and conducting experiments to improve optogenetic Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell lines. The position works across laboratory automation, cell culture, and molecular biology to improve the efficiency, scalability, and reproducibility of CLD processes. This is an individual-contributor, lab-based position suited to someone who excels in hands-on execution, instrumentation, and technical operations. The role requires onsite work at the company’s Emeryville, California headquarters, as dictated by CLD responsibilities and experimental needs. Growth opportunities center on deepening technical expertise, expanding instrument proficiency, and assuming increasing operational responsibility within Cell Line Development.

Requirements

For Research Associate II: Bachelor's degree with 2–5+ years of relevant industry experience, or Master's degree with 1–4+ years of relevant experience; greater experience and independence are expected at the Senior Research Associate level.
Ability to develop and propose experimental plans, conduct experiments, and troubleshoot analytical techniques and methodologies.
Ability to follow protocols precisely, design and execute experiments independently, and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including documenting findings and collaborating effectively.
Familiarity with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace and ability to independently analyze data and draw meaningful conclusions.
Experience with cell line development workflows, including pool generation, clonal isolation, and stability testing.
Experience with high-throughput screening platforms such as Beacon, Ambr, Octet, Cedex, or other commonly used automation systems.
Experience with molecular cloning and molecular biology techniques, including PCR and protein quantification.
Working knowledge of statistical analysis or design of experiments (DoE).
Comfort working in a dynamic, fast-paced R&D environment.
Flexible, independent, adaptable, eager to learn, and well organized, with strong teamwork and communication skills and a proactive approach to workflow optimization.

Nice To Haves

Scripting experience on Tecan or Hamilton automation systems.
Familiarity with optogenetic systems, inducible promoters, or light-responsive protein engineering.

Responsibilities

Conduct experiments independently, analyze and collect data promptly, and document work in electronic lab notebooks.
Develop and establish efficient Tecan or Hamilton automation workflows for CLD processes, including seed train, production, or screening workflows involving platforms such as Ambr or Beacon.
Communicate and present information across teams and company forums.
Analyze results and provide data and figures for presentations, patent applications, or publications.
Collaborate with the CLD team and other company teams, and contribute to laboratory maintenance and safety.
Develop and optimize analytical methods, follow established protocols and safety and operational standards, and provide data for regulatory submissions.