Principal Research Associate

Principal Research Associate

9-Month Contract

Onsite - South San Francisco

$55-$65/hr

Weekend Coverage : 2-3 weekend days/month, 3-4 hours/day

About our Client: Our client is focused on utilizing engineered cells as medicines for patients. The ability to modify genes and use cells as medicines will be one of the most important advances in healthcare over the next several decades. Our client is building differentiated capabilities across the spectrum of cell and gene therapy.

About the role:

The Cell Therapy Innovation team is seeking a hands-on contractor to support 3D human iPSC culture, bioreactor operations, and analytical characterization. The role combines execution of PBS/Ambr workflows with flow cytometry, ELISA, GSIS, protein extraction, and routine process analytics.

What you’ll do:

• Execute iPSC/PSC thaw, expansion, passaging, cell counting, viability assessment, and preparation for 3D suspension culture.
• Support PBS, Ambr250, or comparable bioreactor setup, inoculation, sampling, feeding or media exchange, monitoring, and harvest.
• Monitor process parameters, cell performance, aggregate morphology, metabolites, and experimental observations.
• Perform multicolor flow cytometry sample preparation, staining, acquisition, analysis, controls, and basic troubleshooting.
• Execute ELISA and GSIS workflows, including standards, controls, sample processing, data review, and analysis.
• Perform protein extraction, protein quantification, sample normalization, aliquoting, storage, and traceability.
• Prepare media, reagents, vessels, and analytical samples while maintaining accurate experimental records and organized data.
• Coordinate activities across parallel, time-sensitive studies and provide occasional weekend coverage when required.

What we’re looking for:

• Degree in Chemical, Biological, or Biomedical Engineering plus or 3 years of equivalent combination of education and work experience

• 2 years of GMP manufacturing experience in cell therapy with knowledge of cleanroom operations

• Detail-oriented with good problem-solving, technical writing and verbal communication skills
• Ability to effectively work in multidisciplinary teams, meet deadlines, and prioritize multiple projects
• Aptitude for working in a self-driven, performance/results-oriented, fast-paced matrix environment
• Well versed with cGMP requirements and working in a regulated environment, including experience as person-in-plan and/or GMP operator.

What will separate you from the crowd:

• BS or MS in cell biology, bioengineering, biotechnology, biochemistry, or a related discipline.
• Hands-on mammalian cell-culture experience with strong aseptic technique; iPSC/PSC experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with 3D suspension culture or bioreactor systems; PBS, Ambr, DASbox, or comparable platforms is a plus.
• Practical experience with flow cytometry and at least one of the following: ELISA, GSIS, protein extraction, or related cell-based assays.
• Strong attention to detail, sample traceability, data quality, organization, and communication.
• Ability to execute multiday protocols and manage multiple workstreams reliably.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• A versatile experimentalist who can move between the cell-culture suite and analytical bench, reliably supporting both 3D iPSC operations and timely sample characterization.