Research Associate, Systems Integration

Element Biosciences•San Diego, CA

2d•$69,000 - $85,000•Onsite

About The Position

At Element Biosciences, we are passionate about our mission to empower the scientific community with more freedom and flexibility to accelerate our collective impact on humanity. We have built a highly efficient product-driven organization where employees can learn, grow, and thrive in a challenging but encouraging environment. We are committed to scientific integrity, collegiality, honesty, objectivity, and openness. We are seeking an experienced Research Associate, Systems Integration who will play a pivotal role in supporting the development, optimization, and integration of molecular biology workflows for next-generation life science products. This is an incredible opportunity for someone who is passionate about hands-on laboratory work, experimental rigor, troubleshooting, and helping translate innovative technologies into reliable product workflows. We are looking for candidates with a solid background in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, or a related discipline. Experience with nucleic acid handling, enzymatic reactions, assay execution, sample preparation, and data documentation is a must. This role will report to Vice President, Systems Integration and will be an on-site San Diego-based role.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, biology, genetics, cell biology, biomedical engineering, or a related scientific field
1-3+ years of relevant laboratory experience for Research Associate level; additional industry experience may be considered for a more senior level
Hands-on experience with core molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA handling, pipetting, reagent preparation, enzymatic assays, amplification reactions, and sequencing
Experience working with biological samples such as cultured cells, fixed cells, tissue sections, or extracted nucleic acids and proteins
Strong laboratory technique, attention to detail, and ability to execute complex multistep protocols reproducibly
Experience analyzing and organizing experimental data using tools such as Excel, JMP, ImageJ/Fiji, or similar software
Ability to recognize technical issues, communicate observations clearly, and contribute to structured troubleshooting
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document experiments clearly and present results to cross-functional teams
Ability to work independently while contributing effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced product development environment

Nice To Haves

Preferred experience with one or more of the following: fluorescence microscopy, immunofluorescence, in situ hybridization, PCR/qPCR, NGS library preparation, oligo handling, protein detection assays, tissue processing, or assay development
Preferred experience in biotechnology, life science tools, diagnostics, genomics, sequencing, imaging, or product development environments

Responsibilities

Execute molecular biology and biochemical assays to support product integration, workflow optimization, and performance testing
Perform nucleic acid and protein-related laboratory techniques, including DNA/RNA handling, buffer preparation, reagent formulation, enzymatic reactions, hybridization-based assays, amplification workflows, and NGS-based readouts
Prepare, process, and analyze biological samples such as cultured cells, fixed cells, tissue sections, or other relevant sample types
Support assay optimization by testing protocol variables such as reagent concentrations, incubation times, temperature conditions, wash conditions, sample preparation steps, and workflow timing
Generate high-quality experimental data and evaluate assay performance using metrics such as signal intensity, background, reproducibility, specificity, sensitivity, sample quality, and workflow robustness
Operate and maintain common laboratory equipment such as pipettes, centrifuges, thermocyclers, plate readers, fluorescence microscopes, incubators, biosafety cabinets, and next generation sequencers where applicable
Assist with troubleshooting assay failures, reagent issues, sample variability, workflow inconsistencies, and instrument-related observations
Maintain accurate and complete experimental records, including electronic lab notebook entries, protocols, data files, analysis summaries, and technical reports
Collaborate with scientists, engineers, manufacturing, quality, applications, and product development teams to support product readiness, protocol transfer, and workflow reliability
Support verification, validation, and design transfer activities by executing structured test plans and documenting results according to internal standards
Help maintain an organized, safe, and compliant laboratory environment, including inventory tracking, reagent labeling, sample management, and adherence to safety procedures