Job Title: Research Associate II (Single-Cell NGS)

Reports to: Staff Scientist

FLSA Class: Exempt

How this role drives the company forward:

The Research Associate II is responsible for assisting and working with research staff in the design, execution, and analysis of experiments aimed at developing new tools and reagents for life science. A successful candidate will have experience in a broad range of molecular biology techniques, thrive in an evolving environment and have a solid background in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology or related fields. Experience in RNA- or DNA-Seq, at both bulk and single-cell level will be highly valuable. The candidate works primarily in the laboratory to conduct relevant experiments and complex tasks under minimal supervision of other senior research associates or scientists.

The Research Associate II role is lab-based.

How you will make an impact:

We are looking for a motivated, detail-oriented, hands-on research associate to join our talented R&D team in developing novel single-cell DNA/RNA assays for NGS. As such, you will play a critical role in conducting experiments for cutting-edge product development. You will carry out single cell and bulk DNA/RNA NGS library preparation of emerging technologies, NGS sequencing, and analysis to produce high quality data to drive product development. As part of this, you will use liquid handlers and sequencing instrumentation. In this role you will collaborate with and report to cross-functional teams. Your ability to generate reliable and reproducible results as well as maintaining detailed and organized lab notes to summarize experiment outcomes is critical to drive our single-cell NGS product development.

What will you do:

• Works primarily in the laboratory to conduct experiments under supervision of other senior research associates or scientists.
• Executes routine experiments by selecting and performing appropriate techniques following general guidance or protocol. Performs more complex tasks with appropriate guidance from supervisor.
• Conduct experiments through product development launch cycle from feasibility test through transfer to manufacturing.
• Utilizes literature reviews, protocols, SOPs and prior laboratory experience to assist with experimental design, assay development, and workflow optimization.
• Accurately records procedures, materials used, and results obtained, enabling others to understand and reproduce results.
• Prepares technical reports, summarizing experiments done including an analysis of results obtained, and contributes to development of follow-on experiments.
• Assists in the preparation and reviewing of technical documents including work instructions and user manuals.
• Shares responsibility for general laboratory maintenance and housekeeping, including organization and purchasing of laboratory reagents and maintaining laboratory stocks.
• May provide technical training to other laboratory personnel.
• This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

How will you get here?

• BA, BS or MS degree in molecular biology, genetics, cell biology or similar.
• Minimum of 2 - 5 years industrial experience in relevant fields.
• Demonstrated ability to perform a range of general laboratory procedures independently, including PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, quantitation and quality assessment, as well as NGS library preparation.
• Demonstrated capability to manage time efficiently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Accurate notetaking and detailed laboratory records, including experimental protocols, observations, and results.
• Adaptable to shifting demands.

You are amazing if you have:

• Experience with single cell assays, NGS sequencers or automation platforms.
• Experience with cell culture.

Additional Information about the role:

Please note this job description may not cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. The US base salary range for this full-time position, expected to be located in San Jose, CA, is $100,000 - $105,000 USD. We may consider other candidates for this position with more experience and would expect the salary range to change accordingly. This range may be modified at any time at our sole discretion. This base salary does not include additional bonus compensation and benefits. Learn more about benefits at https://www.takarabio.com/about/careers/company-benefits. Individual compensation packages are based on factors unique to each candidate, including job-related skills, training, experience, qualifications, work location, and market conditions.