Title: Associate Scientist
Location: South San Francisco, CA
Duration: 12 months (Possibility of extension)
 
Note:

• 100% onsite in South San Francisco, CA.
• Flexible scheduling available (typical core hours around 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; earlier schedules such as 7:00 AM–4:00 PM or 6:00 AM–3:00 PM acceptable).
• Team focus is cell surface biology research.

 
Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on tissue culture experience within a biotech, pharmaceutical, or advanced academic laboratory setting, with demonstrated exposure to molecular biology techniques and flow cytometry workflows. Candidates with experience supporting high-throughput tissue culture systems, 96-well assay formats, RNA-based workflows, organoids, or next-generation sequencing support activities will be highly competitive. The hiring team is seeking an adaptable, technically strong laboratory professional with broad assay exposure, excellent bench skills, and the ability to operate effectively in a highly collaborative, onsite research environment.
 
Responsibilities

• Prepare key tissues and samples for transcriptomic and proteomic assays
• Culture in vitro models including cell lines and organoids for discovery efforts
• Prepare and implement molecular and biological tools for experimental studies
• Contribute to profiling experiments, including transcriptomics, proteomics, imaging, and cytometry-based assays
• Make actionable decisions as a technical expert
• Collaborate closely with other team members on experimental design and execution
• Present research findings at internal team meetings

 
Education Preferences

• Master’s degree strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree candidates may still be considered if they possess strong hands-on laboratory experience and relevant industry exposure.

 
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:

• Tissue culture
• RNA/DNA molecular biology
• Flow cytometry

 
Intake Notes: Technical Skills

• Strong tissue culture experience required.
• Molecular biology background required, including RNA/DNA handling.
• Flow cytometry experience required.
• Experience supporting high-throughput tissue culture environments strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with 96-well plate-based assays preferred.
• Demonstrated laboratory research experience required.

 
Day to Day Responsibilities:

• Tissue culture
• RNA purification and processing
• Flow cytometry

 
Possible Extension:
Yes
 
Red Flags:

• Must be US citizen or have approved work VISA

 
Interview Process:

• 1:1s with 3–4 team members
• Preference for 2 interview rounds (video-based).
• Possible panel/team interview format.

 
 
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: $ 25.47/hr.