Research Associate II (PCR Reagent and Kit Development)

Takara Bio USA•San Jose, CA

4d•$95,000 - $105,000•Onsite

About The Position

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. In this role, you will be responsible for planning and executing day-to-day laboratory activities to support project timelines, ensuring that experimental approaches are aligned with defined objectives and constraints. You will perform nucleic acid extraction and purification from a variety of sample types using both manual and automated methods to generate high-quality input material for downstream applications. You will conduct molecular biology workflows, including PCR, quantitative PCR (qPCR), and digital PCR (dPCR), applying appropriate controls, standards, and normalization strategies, and optimizing amplification conditions, reaction chemistries, and assay parameters to achieve robust assay performance. You will apply both low- and high-throughput methodologies to efficiently generate high-quality data across multiple projects, integrating results from diverse experimental platforms to identify trends, assess variability, and support troubleshooting efforts when unexpected results arise. The role involves regular communication of experimental progress and findings to cross-functional partners and stakeholders, as well as close collaboration with teams in manufacturing, quality, engineering, and with external partners to translate experimental needs into well-defined laboratory activities. In addition, you will maintain compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements through proper laboratory practices, manage samples, reagents, and data to ensure traceability, adapt to changing priorities while supporting multiple projects, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance laboratory efficiency, data quality, and workflow robustness.

Requirements

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 and timelines.
Strong hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, qPCR, library prep, nucleic acid handling).

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with command line interface (CLI) preferred.

Responsibilities

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.