Skip to main content

Search Jobs

Find your next opportunity today.

Research Associate I

South San Francisco, CA 94080

Posted: 10/29/2025 Employment Type: Contract Industry: Research and Discovery Job Number: 12421 Pay Rate: $20.00 - $27.00 Remote Friendly: Onsite

Job Description

Our client is a leading biotechnology company that discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes medicines to treat patients with serious or life-threatening medical conditions. They are among the world's leading biotech companies, with multiple products on the market and a promising development pipeline.

Overview:

The Complex in vitro Systems (CiS) lab in Translational Safety is seeking a motivated and experienced laboratory-based Research Associate I (Contractor) to join our gastrointestinal functional team. Our mission is to develop, characterize and implement cutting-edge complex in vitro models (CIVMs) to support the broader Research and Developmental Sciences. This 1 yr position will provide technical support for a cross-functional effort to deeply characterize cellular response towards various small molecules and biologics across human intestinal model systems to enhance clinical intestinal risk predictions.

The candidate should have extensive expertise in cell culture, particularly with organoids or other CIVMs. Technical expertise in cell viability assays and microscopy highly desirable. This is an ideal position for a candidate who wants to be at the forefront of 3D tissue modeling technologies and can thrive in a fast-paced and diverse research environment; strong organizational, multi-tasking, collaboration, and communication skills are critical.

Key responsibilities:
  • Provide technical assistance developing and implementing in vitro assays using intestinal organoid-derived models
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to characterize in vitro response to various small molecules and biologics, including but not limited to cell viability assays, permeability assays high throughput imaging and single cell RNA-sequencing.
  • Independently execute toxicity and image-based assays.
  • Partner with culture automation teams to establish workflows for high throughput screens.
  • Analyze, interpret, and present data to collaborators and stakeholders as appropriate, with clear verbal and written communication.
  • Maintain detailed electronic documentation consistent with departmental SOPs, covering execution and results, and contribute to final reports as appropriate.
  • This role will involve sitting and standing for extended periods, performing some repetitive tasks, and working with potentially hazardous materials including, but not limited to, chemotherapeutics, biological hazards, and human primary cells.

Job Requirements

Who You Are:
  • BS/MS in biology, bioengineering, biomedical engineering, pharmacology/toxicology, or a related field with 4+ years of wet lab-based experience in academic, biotech/pharmaceutic, or research organizations.
  • Significant laboratory-based expertise with tissue culture is required, particularly with primary tissue-derived cell lines or iPSCs. Experience with 3D organoid or organoid-derived technologies (monolayers, microphysiological systems/chips, etc) is highly desirable.
  • Proficient in molecular biology/quantitative end point assays such as antibody (ELISA) and cell-based viability assays (LDH, CellTiter-Glo) at scale (96-384 well formats).
  • Experience with routine imaging and image-based analysis is preferred, including immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy, and high-content imaging. The candidate will be responsible for sample preparation and imaging.
  • Experience developing, qualifying, and applying CIVMs in a biotech/pharmaceutical setting is highly desirable.
  • While not required, technical backgrounds in laboratory automation, computational analysis and single cell RNA-sequencing are a plus, the candidate will collaborate closely with colleagues in these fields.
  • Interview process: at least 3 employees will interview 2-3 candidates. Candidate is expected to put together a 30-45 min job talk to be attended by relevant team members
  • Soft skills: record keeping, verbal and written communication
  • Hard skills: tissue culture, preferably organoid/3D culture technologies

Meet Your Recruiter

Melissa Politron
Recruiter

As a Compass Recruiter, Melissa "Mel" is excited about rediscovering her passion in helping candidates find opportunities that will excel their professional lives and improve their personal lives. She brings a deeply-rooted excitement to the team by understanding the people she works with and finding ways she can support them. Mel's connections with others inspires her to make a difference in the overall well being of her colleagues, candidates and clients alike. 

Outside of Compass, Mel enjoys cooking, dancing and being a mom to her three wonderful boys. She has an obsession with home organization and thoroughly enjoys solving other families' organizational needs. Mel is also very passionate about One Heart Source, a humanitarian organization that combats conditions such as poverty, diseases and illiteracy through education. She participated as a summer volunteer teacher in Tanzania and credits the organization for shaping her into the person she is today. 

Apply Online

Send an email reminder to:

Share This Job:

Related Jobs:

Login to save this search and get notified of similar positions.

About South San Francisco, CA

Ready to take the next step in your career journey? Explore our job opportunities in the vibrant area surrounding South San Francisco, California! Known for its proximity to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and the bustling tech hub of Silicon Valley, this region offers unrivaled growth potential and a dynamic work environment. With a unique blend of culture, including the renowned SFMOMA art museum, the lively Castro District, and delectable cuisine like the famous sourdough bread at Boudin Bakery, South San Francisco is the perfect place to thrive professionally while enjoying the beauty of nearby parks like Golden Gate Park and the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Join us in discovering the endless possibilities for your career in this enchanting region!