Research Associate, Biology
The Research Associate in Biology at Confidential Client is an entry-level bench scientist role focused on executing and troubleshooting molecular biology and biochemistry experiments within a collaborative, fast-paced research environment. The position involves maintaining cell cultures, managing reagents, and adopting new techniques while working closely with senior scientists to advance Confidential Client's biology research program that integrates AI tools to accelerate scientific discovery. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge biological research supporting the development of reliable and interpretable AI systems.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Scientific & QA.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
About the role
Confidential Client is hiring early-career Research Associates (Biology) to join a small, hands-on life sciences research team in San Francisco, CA. This entry-level bench scientist role is ideal for candidates who have completed undergraduate or master’s research and want to grow technical laboratory skills while contributing to ambitious, discovery-driven projects that integrate experimental biology with computational tools.
You will work alongside senior scientists to execute and troubleshoot experiments, maintain accurate records, and learn advanced molecular and biochemical techniques. While familiarity with computational biology or bioinformatics is beneficial, this position is focused on experimental bench work rather than AI/ML model development.
Key responsibilities
- Execute molecular biology and biochemistry experiments at the bench under senior scientist supervision
- Maintain meticulous, reproducible lab records and contribute to shared protocols
- Troubleshoot experiments, propose changes, and present results in group meetings
- Maintain bacterial and mammalian cell lines, reagent stocks, and inventory systems
- Rapidly learn and adopt new techniques as project needs evolve
Minimum qualifications
- Hands-on research experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, or a closely related field
- Proficiency with foundational techniques: PCR, gel electrophoresis, molecular cloning, and plasmid prep
- Experience with aseptic technique and bacterial or mammalian cell culture
- Familiarity with nucleic acid extraction, purification, and quantification
- Strong documentation habits and attention to reproducibility
- Highly motivated, practical, and resourceful — comfortable solving problems in a fast-moving environment
- Good communication skills: listens to feedback, asks clarifying questions, and adapts when priorities shift
- Enthusiasm for using AI tools as experimental aids (e.g., planning experiments, interpreting data), without requiring AI/ML model development experience
Preferred qualifications
- BS or MS in molecular biology, biochemistry, chemical biology, microbiology, bioengineering, or related discipline
- Protein expression and purification experience (affinity, SEC, IEX)
- Mammalian cell culture experience, including transfection and stable line maintenance
- Experience with enzyme kinetics or quantitative biochemical assays (fluorescence, absorbance, FRET)
- Next-generation sequencing library prep experience
- Familiarity with bioinformatics workflows and molecular biology software (sequence analysis, alignment, primer/construct design)
- Prior use of AI research tools for literature review, protocol drafting, or data interpretation
Compensation & logistics
- Annual salary range: $95,000 - $120,000 USD (listed)
- Employment type: Full-time
- Location: San Francisco, CA — on-site bench work; location-based hybrid policy expects staff to be in the office at least ~25% of the time unless otherwise specified
- Minimum education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
- Visa sponsorship: Confidential Client will consider visa sponsorship and may provide immigration support where applicable
Note: the posted salary range satisfies California pay-transparency requirements for this listing.
What we value
Confidential Client values curiosity, technical rigor, collaboration, and clear communication. The team seeks candidates who are eager to learn at the bench, take ownership of experiments, and contribute reproducible, well-documented results that feed into broader research programs. This role offers rapid learning, mentorship from senior scientists, and the opportunity to participate in high-impact biological research integrated with computational tools.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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