Research Associate II - Cell Culture

Meissner•Camarillo, CA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Associate II, under general supervision, performs intermediate to advanced laboratory testing related to cell culture studies. This role supports daily culture operations, contributes to method development, and performs analytical testing and troubleshooting to ensure reliable experimental outcomes. The Research Associate II assists in project coordination and may train junior staff. This position challenges an experienced laboratory professional to expand technical and project responsibilities in a fast-paced and collaborative environment.

Requirements

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or a related field; relevant hands-on lab training or coursework accepted.
3+ years of relevant laboratory experience is required, with prior cell culture experience strongly preferred.
Demonstrated expertise in laboratory techniques and biopharma processes.
Experience troubleshooting problems, optimizing procedures, and ensuring best practices.
Demonstrates consistent professional maturity, including emotional intelligence and adaptability.
Excellent English Language written and verbal communication skills comfortable presenting findings and documenting complex procedures.
Advanced analytical and quantitative skills: perform complex calculations across multiple units of measurement; interpret data using statistical concepts (percentages, ratios, standard deviations), and identify trends to inform operational decisions.
Ensure compliance with detailed instructions and protocols.
Maintains exceptional organizational systems with attention to detail, consistently ensuring data integrity, regulatory compliance, and quality standards.
Advanced proficiency with MS Office software including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Adobe.
Ensures cross-functional collaboration while maintaining independent accountability, managing multiple projects with minimal oversight, coordinating with team members to achieve laboratory objectives, and mentoring junior staff on technical and procedural standards.

Responsibilities

Perform and optimize cell culture operations, including cryopreservation, thawing, expanding, maintaining, and banking mammalian and specialized cell lines with minimal supervision.
Independently perform and optimize cell culture experiments such as batch, fed-batch, and/or perfusion.
Scale-up cultures from flasks to bioreactors, such as shake flasks, spinner flasks, wave bags, or bench-top bioreactors.
Monitor cell growth, viability, and productivity using analytical tools such as Vi-Cell, Cedex, Revvity.
Analyze and interpret experimental data, prepare detailed technical reports, and present results in written or oral form to the project team.
Write experimental protocols and SOPs.
Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve routine technical issues while contributing to the improvement of protocols and workflows.
Lead coordination efforts across the team to establish and maintain inventory systems, forecast consumable needs, and schedule equipment maintenance.
Proactively identify bottlenecks in resource availability and recommend process improvements to enhance operational efficiency.
Manage day-to-day responsibilities with a high degree of consistency and accuracy, anticipating workflow bottlenecks and reprioritizing as necessary to meet deadlines.
Own documentation and record management for all cell culture activities, ensuring complete traceability and regulatory compliance.
Contribute to the development, revision, and maintenance of SOPs by applying technical knowledge, hands-on experience, and process understanding.
Train and mentor junior research associates by providing technical guidance, onboarding support, and feedback to ensure alignment with laboratory standards and best practices.
Champion safety and compliance across cell culture operations by staying current with regulatory changes, recommending updates to SOPs, and mentoring team on best practices.

Benefits

Full Medical, Dental and Vision coverage with HSA Employer Contributions for eligible plans
Additional Perks- HQ Onsite Full Gym, Ultramodern Coffee Bars, Free EV Charging Stations, Employee Discounts
401k
Profit Sharing
401k Advisory Services
Company Sponsored Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Paid Time Off
Paid Holidays
Anniversary Holiday