Senior Research Associate/Scientist

Job Title: Senior Research Associate/ScientistWork Location: San Mateo County, CaliforniaSummary:Seeking a hands-on laboratory professional to support research-scale recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) production for in vitro and preclinical in vivo studies.

This role involves upstream cell culture, purification, material preparation, and quality control, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver well-characterized AAV material for research needs.

Responsibilities

Manage and expand mammalian producer cells, execute transfection and AAV production workflows, and oversee multiple research-scale batches.Prepare reagents and buffers, perform harvest, cell lysis, nuclease treatment, and clarification steps as needed.Track in-process samples, monitor yield and recovery, and document process observations throughout production stages.Conduct CsCl density-gradient ultracentrifugation, fraction collection, pooling, and subsequent buffer exchange and concentration while maintaining sample integrity.Assist with chromatography-based purification, including affinity capture and ion-exchange chromatography, and receive training on relevant systems as necessary.Support troubleshooting and process comparisons to address recovery or purity challenges.Perform or assist with established assays for vector genome titer, capsid content, protein purity, and coordinate impurity testing for study materials.Maintain accurate laboratory records, update SOPs, manage vector inventory, and ensure compliance with biosafety and chemical-safety procedures.

Qualifications

B.S. or M.S. in molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, bioengineering, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.Minimum two years of relevant hands-on laboratory experience.Practical experience with recombinant AAV production, mammalian cell culture, aseptic technique, transfection, and harvest.Experience with CsCl density-gradient ultracentrifugation, buffer exchange, and safe handling of high-value samples.Familiarity with AAV-relevant QC methods such as qPCR, capsid ELISA, or protein electrophoresis.Strong pipetting, dilution, concentration, and yield-calculation skills with attention to reproducibility and controls.Ability to follow and troubleshoot procedures, maintain clear records, prioritize timelines, and communicate effectively.Comfortable working collaboratively in an on-site laboratory environment.Experience with ÄKTA systems, UNICORN software, chromatography, digital PCR, HPLC/UPLC, tangential flow filtration, and other vector purification approaches is preferred.Knowledge of impurity assays, cell-based transduction assays, and preparation of research-grade material for animal studies is a plus.Experience improving batch consistency, writing SOPs, transferring methods, training colleagues, and using electronic laboratory notebooks is advantageous.Senior-level candidates should demonstrate independent workflow ownership, troubleshooting skills, coordination of study requests, and ability to train others.