Senior Research Associate (01) – Discovery Sciences (Cellular Products)

iQ Biosciences • Alameda, CA

6d • $110,000 - $120,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Research Associate (SRA), Cellular Products will lead, execute, and optimize cell-based workflows across iQ’s Cellular Products portfolio. This position is primarily lab-based, requiring extensive technical expertise in cell isolation, flow cytometry, cell expansion, functional assays, and process improvement. The SRA will act as a technical lead and mentor for other Research Associates (RAs), overseeing workflow execution, SOP updates, and quality control while maintaining alignment with operational and R&D goals. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong ownership, technical mastery, and leadership—ensuring efficient, reproducible, and high-quality cellular product generation and analysis.

Requirements

• Must be able to lift and move objects weighing up to 40 pounds approximately 0 to 1 time per day/shift
• Activity: Lifting Large Shipping Boxes
• Frequency: 0-1 time(s) per day
• Item Dimensions: 18”H x 12”W x 13”D
• Weight: 40 lbs
• Starting Height: 43”
• Finish Height: 0”
• Distance from Body: 5”
• Must be able to lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds approximately 5 to 10 times per day/shift.
• Activity: Lifting Liquid Nitrogen Racks
• Frequency: ~5-10 times per day
• Item Dimensions: 33” H x 6” W x 6” D
• Weight: 25 lbs.
• Starting Grip Height: 43”
• Finish Grip Height: 60”
• Distance from Body: 14"
• Must be able to stand and walk continuously throughout an 8-hour shift.
• Must comply with laboratory policies and procedures.
• Must be available to work evenings or weekends if needed.
• B.S. with >5 years of experience, M.S. with >3 years of experience, or Ph.D. (with wet lab experience) in the areas of Immunology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• Strong proficiency in sterile technique and mammalian cell culture.
• Demonstrated expertise in flow cytometry (≥2 years required).
• Experience with immunoassays and functional cell-based assays.
• Familiarity with LIMS and project management systems (e.g., Zoho Projects).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong leadership, training, and mentoring abilities.
• Detail-oriented, proactive, and adept at troubleshooting.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with high accuracy.
• Full-time, exempt position, not subject to FLSA or California overtime regulations.
• Must be able to work Monday-Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
• This is a 100% on-site position located in Alameda, CA, with occasional travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Perform isolation of cells (human, non-human primate, rodent, etc.) using density gradient centrifugation, immuno-magnetic isolation, and other methods.
• Execute and oversee multi-color flow cytometry (staining, acquisition, data analysis).
• Perform and interpret functional assays such as ADCC, ADCP, TDCC, T cell activation, and Treg suppression, as needed to characterize cellular products.
• Plan, execute, and analyze cell expansion projects to generate internal and client cellular products.
• Maintain precise and prompt electronic records, including LIMS data entry.
• Ensure accuracy in cell counting, cryopreservation, and reagent preparation.
• Perform small animal ordering, euthanasia, tissue harvesting, and processing, and coordinate related lab efforts.
• Execute all aspects of the workflow with a high level of technical competency, independence, and efficiency.
• Demonstrate complete ownership of the end-to-end process, from preparation and execution through documentation, analysis (Forecyt, etc.), and LIMS reporting.
• Lead optimization initiatives to streamline workflows and improve throughput in accordance with company goals.
• Review and update all cellular product SOPs to ensure completeness, clarity, and alignment with best practices.
• Implement standardized documentation and version control for processes, validations, and training records.
• Contribute to process scale-up, automation, and integration with procurement and data systems.
• Provide technical insights for protocol optimization, experimental design, and product improvement initiatives.
• Assign, perform, and/or release 100% of required QC tests based on business needs within agreed timelines, with results documented in Zoho.
• Ensure all validations are completed on schedule with full documentation.
• Provide rapid technical troubleshooting (within 24 hours) and ongoing cross-departmental support to Client Services (CS) and R&D.
• Train and/or manage Research Associates in cellular processing, ensuring proficiency and adherence to SOPs, and rapid onboarding.
• Ensure that all individuals involved with animal euthanasia and tissue harvesting are appropriately trained.
• Maintain deep process knowledge to train, guide, and support team members, while ensuring consistency and adherence to established protocols.
• Maintain an active database of approved personnel and training records.
• Conduct regular coaching sessions, workflow observations, and biannual performance reviews.
• Participate in manager development programs and apply new management strategies within the team.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, FSA with employer match, 401K with employer match (after 90 days introductory period), paid holidays, PTO, Long Term Disability, and free lunch/snacks.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees