Senior Associate Scientist

Senior / Associate Scientist, Translational

Comp: $45 - $55/hr DOE

Status: Contractor

Must be in San Diego

No Phds

The Opportunity

We're looking for a hands-on translational researcher to drive biomarker discovery and translational studies across oncology, immunology, and in vivo pharmacology programs. You'll run molecular and tissue-based assays, manage sample workflows end to end, analyze resulting data, and work closely with cross-functional research teams.

The ideal candidate brings strong experience in qPCR, tissue processing, mammalian cell culture, and biomarker analysis. Background in IHC, multiplex IHC, immunofluorescence, spatial biology, or other tissue-based techniques is a strong plus.

What You'll Do

• Lead translational research studies spanning oncology, immunology, and in vivo pharmacology
• Carry out RNA/DNA extraction, qPCR and RT-qPCR, gene-expression analysis, and sample prep
• Run mammalian cell culture and support in vitro pharmacology work
• Process and manage tissue samples for downstream molecular and histological analysis
• Perform or coordinate IHC, multiplex IHC, immunofluorescence, spatial biology, and related biomarker assays
• Support tissue-based molecular characterization using both internal platforms and external partners
• Analyze data, keep precise experimental records, and communicate results clearly
• Optimize, validate, and troubleshoot assays to strengthen quality and reproducibility
• Partner closely with Translational Sciences, Biology, Pharmacology, and Biomarker teams
• Help maintain lab compliance, inventory, equipment upkeep, and documentation

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, biotechnology, immunology, cancer biology, or related field
• 8+ years of relevant biotech or pharma industry experience
• Hands-on expertise with qPCR/RT-qPCR, nucleic acid isolation, mammalian cell culture, tissue processing, and IHC
• Strong documentation habits and data-analysis skills
• Comfort independently driving lab studies in a fast-paced, cross-functional setting

Nice to Have

• Experience supporting oncology, immunology, or early clinical development programs
• Multiplex IHC, immunofluorescence, spatial biology, FFPE tissue, or digital pathology experience
• Familiarity with translational biomarker development and PD assessments
• Exposure to in vivo pharmacology and tissue-collection workflows