Job title: Associate Scientist Location: South San Francisco, CA 94080 – 100% onsite Duration: 12 Months (Possible extension)
Work Hours Expected: Around 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Some flexibility on exact start/end times once fully trained
During first ~3 months, worker should align closely with trainer/team schedule for onboarding purposes (may occasionally shift to 8–4 type schedule)
No expected overtime
No expected weekend work
Ideal candidate will have hands-on immunohistochemistry (IHC) laboratory experience within an industry or research setting, including exposure to auto-stainers or instrument-based staining workflows. Team is seeking an early-career scientist (BS/MS level preferred) with approximately 1–2 years of relevant experience who is highly engaged, curious, and eager to learn. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a collaborative pathology lab environment are important. Histology experience is not required; focus should remain on IHC expertise and hands-on laboratory execution.
Immunohistochemistry, pathology, histology experience needed Experience with Leica Bond, Ventana, Dako, and/or Intellipath is preferred.
90% of time will be spent in the lab. Shift time will start around 8am-5pm with little flexibility for start and end times.
The client is seeking an Associate Scientist to work in the Pathology Lab in the Translational Safety & Risk Sciences Department in South San Francisco, CA. The Associate Scientist will develop and implement specialized tissue-based assays (including multiplex assays and image analysis) to support specific portfolio related questions on target expression and preclinical model development.
Responsibilities Include:
Assist with development and implementation of histopathology assays including single and multiplex immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays, in situ hybridization (ISH), both colorimetric and immunofluorescent, and use a variety of imaging modalities
Assist with performing image analysis
Participate in collaborating with Pathologists, Scientists and Research Associates on multiple concurrent projects to evaluate and deliver data, contribute to early programs and assist with determining mechanism of action and toxicity
Work as part of a cross functional team to provide tissue-based assay development for target qualification, pharmacodynamic and efficacy readouts, and biomarker development
Organize and present data, including all documentation in required lab information systems and databases, as well as team communications
Basic Qualifications: Master’s degree OR Bachelor's degree and 2 years scientific experience
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in cellular biology, molecular biology or related discipline
Two or more years’ experience in molecular pathology in an industry setting
Basic hands-on experience in a variety of pathology-based methodologies including IHC, multiplex IHC, immunofluorescence imaging and other advanced microscopy, digital pathology/image analysis, specialized tissue sectioning and histology procedures
Experience with Leica Bond, Ventana, Dako and/or Intellipath is preferred
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Excellent communication skills
Basic Qualifications: Master’s degree OR Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of experience OR Associate’s degree and 4 years of experience OR High school diploma / GED and 6 years of experience
Top 3 Must Have Skill Sets:
Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
Digital Image Analysis
Experience with automated staining workflows
Day to Day Responsibilities:
Perform tissue-based assays (IHC, multiplex IHC, ISH) and histology work
Operate staining platforms and imaging systems
Analyze images and interpret data
Document results in lab systems and databases
Collaborate with pathologists and scientists on multiple projects
Support assay development for target validation, biomarkers, and preclinical studies
Possible Extension: Yes
Red Flags:
Multiple short term employments
Significant unexplained employment gaps
Senior PhD profiles
Highly overqualified industry candidates
Candidates with extensive tenure/history inconsistent with junior role level
Histology-heavy profiles without meaningful IHC experience
Lack of curiosity
Candidates who do not ask questions during interviews
Low engagement or lack of demonstrated interest in the work/team
Interview Process:
Screening interview: online with video. Shortlist candidates will have interviews on site.
Applicant Notices & Disclaimers
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At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws. This position’s starting pay is: $ 28.30/hr.
