Research Associate, Cell Line Development Automation

Prolific Machines•Emeryville, CA

1d•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 workflows for 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 role in the Research Associate track, suited to candidates who excel in hands-on laboratory execution, instrumentation, and technical operations. Growth focuses on deepening technical expertise, expanding instrument proficiency, and taking on increasing operational responsibility within Cell Line Development. The role is lab-based and requires on-site presence as dictated by experimental and team responsibilities at the company's Emeryville, California headquarters.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and 2–5+ years of relevant industry experience, or a Master's degree and 1–4+ years of relevant experience, for the Research Associate II level; 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, independently design and execute experiments, and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced setting.
Strong written and verbal communication skills for 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 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 and independent working attitude; ability to adapt to changing situations and environments.
Eagerness to learn, with strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills.
Proactive approach to optimizing workflows.

Nice To Haves

Scripting experience on Tecan or Hamilton automation systems.
Exposure to high-throughput screening platforms such as Beacon, Ambr, Octet, and Cedex, or other commonly used automation systems.
Familiarity with optogenetic systems, inducible promoters, or light-responsive protein engineering.

Responsibilities

Conduct experiments independently, analyze and report data in a timely manner, and maintain detailed documentation in electronic lab notebooks.
Establish efficient automation workflows for CLD processes, including seed train, production, and screening workflows.
Conduct experiments at the Automation/CLD interface using systems such as Tecan or Hamilton and screening platforms such as Ambr or Beacon.
Communicate findings and present information across teams and company forums.
Analyze data and prepare figures to support presentations, patent applications, or publications.
Collaborate with the CLD team and other teams within Prolific Machines.
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.