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.

 
 
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.