The Research Associate will support activities across multiple lines of business, with a primary focus on cell culture systems and cellular automation workflows. Key responsibilities include maintenance of the Cell Culture Core, support of cell-based assay development, and the implementation and optimization of automated cell culture processes. The role involves close collaboration with R&D and Product Management to deliver validation and application support using biological systems and samples.
This position reports to the Sr. Manager of Assay Development and is part of the Products Innovation and Strategy Team supporting Scientific Applications. The role is located in San Jose, CA and will be an on-site role.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to:
- Maintain and scale cell culture capabilities that support multiple lines of business, ensuring consistent and efficient laboratory operations
- Deliver high-quality biological samples and collaborate with R&D and Product Management to support cell-based assay development and application workflows
- Design and optimize automated cell culture processes to enable reproducible, scalable workflows across cellular, imaging, and assay-driven applications
The essential requirements of the job include:
- A BS/BSc in Biology, Biotechnology, or a related discipline
- Practical experience in mammalian cell culture, ideally gained through a placement year or industry setting
- Experience supporting or contributing to cell-based assays
- Awareness or hands-on exposure to cell culture automation or automated laboratory workflows
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a cross-functional team
Travel, Motor Vehicle Record & Physical/Environment Requirements:
- Occasional travel may be required to support project needs, including visits to other Molecular Devices sites, customer or collaborator locations, and attendance at scientific meetings or conferences.
- No routine driving or company vehicle use is expected as this role is primarily laboratory‑ and desk‑based.
- Ability to work for extended periods in a laboratory environment, including:
- Standing for prolonged periods
- Manual handling of laboratory equipment and consumables
- Must be able to work safely in accordance with health, safety, and biosafety procedures at all times.
- Use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is required.
It would be a plus if you also possess previous experience in:
- Previous experience in a biotechnology or life sciences environment, gained through industry placement or internships
- Familiarity with Molecular Devices instruments or comparable cell culture, imaging, or assay platforms
Molecular Devices, a Danaher operating company, offers a broad array of comprehensive, competitive benefit programs that add value to our lives. Whether it’s a health care program or paid time off, our programs contribute to life beyond the job. Check out our benefits at .
The annual salary range OR the hourly range for this role is $80,500 - $100,000. This is the range that we in good faith believe is the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. This range may be modified in the future.
This job is also eligible for bonus/incentive pay.
We offer comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.
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