Sr. Research Associate, Molecular Biology

Aspen Neuroscience•San Diego, CA

1d•$81,000 - $100,000

About The Position

The Senior Research Associate independently performs complex research and development activities supporting the development and characterization of cell therapy programs. Working with minimal supervision, the role performs and optimizes translational and molecular biology workflows, analyzes and interprets experimental data, troubleshoots technical challenges, and contributes to experimental planning and method development. The position collaborates with R&D and cross-functional teams and serves as a technical resource in support of project and research objectives. The role involves executing single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing workflows; molecular biology and biomarker assays; cell culture and other R&D activities; data quality assessment and interpretation; troubleshooting; assay optimization and method development; laboratory documentation; and preparation of figures, reports, protocols, and data summaries. It also supports laboratory readiness, training, knowledge sharing, and compliance with applicable safety, training, and quality requirements. Participation in scientific conferences and contributions to publications or presentations may occur as appropriate.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline.
Hands-on experience with next-generation sequencing workflows, including sample preparation, library preparation, library quality control, and sequencing-readiness activities.
Experience with molecular biology and translational assay workflows, including nucleic acid isolation, PCR/qPCR, biomarker analysis, biological sample processing, and preparation for downstream analyses.
Strong molecular and cell biology laboratory skills and a solid understanding of scientific principles, with the ability to independently execute and optimize workflows.
Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to assess data quality, interpret experimental results, troubleshoot technical issues, and draw appropriate conclusions.
Ability to organize, analyze, interpret, and present experimental and sequencing data to scientific and cross-functional audiences.
Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to document procedures and results clearly and collaborate effectively across teams.
Excellent organizational skills and the ability to maintain thorough, accurate experimental records, laboratory notebooks, protocols, and supporting documentation.
Ability to work effectively in cross-functional and team-based environments, adapt to changing project priorities, and share technical knowledge and best practices.
Ability to maintain current knowledge of relevant literature, technologies, and industry practices while complying with applicable safety, training, and quality requirements.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and familiarity with data analysis tools or programming languages such as R, Python, or Bash.
Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional weekends, as needed to support experiments, sample processing, sequencing runs, or project timelines.

Nice To Haves

A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in molecular biology or a related laboratory setting, or an equivalent and relevant combination of education and experience.
Experience with single-cell or single-nucleus RNA sequencing.
Experience with LC-MS sample preparation.

Responsibilities

Independently execute and optimize single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing workflows, including cell thawing and counting, sample and library preparation, library quality control, and preparation for sequencing.
Execute molecular biology and biomarker assay workflows, including nucleic acid isolation, PCR, qPCR, sequencing-related assays, and sample preparation and processing for LC-MS analyses.
Support cell culture workflows and other research and development activities in collaboration with R&D scientists and cross-functional partners.
Compile, analyze, and interpret experimental and sequencing data; assess data quality; summarize conclusions; and communicate findings to supervisors and the broader R&D team.
Troubleshoot technical issues involving experimental design, assay execution, sequencing workflows, instrumentation, and data quality, and recommend and implement solutions within established project objectives.
Contribute to experimental planning, assay optimization, quality-control strategy, and method development.
Evaluate, develop, optimize, and implement methods, assays, and technologies to advance assigned projects and platform capabilities.
Maintain complete, accurate, and audit-ready laboratory notebooks, experimental records, protocols, and data documentation in accordance with applicable quality and documentation requirements.
Prepare figures, data summaries, protocols, technical reports, and other documentation for internal reviews, project discussions, and knowledge sharing.
Maintain laboratory organization and the readiness of equipment, reagents, consumables, and general laboratory supplies.
Serve as a technical resource and support training, knowledge sharing, and laboratory best practices.
Maintain current knowledge of relevant scientific literature, translational research methods, sequencing technologies, biomarker applications, and emerging industry practices while complying with applicable safety, training, and quality requirements.
May participate in scientific conferences and contribute to scientific publications, internal presentations, or other scientific communications, as appropriate.