Research Associate

About the Role

We are seeking a highly hands-on Research Associate to join our team supporting protein science and cell biology workflows on a proprietary physical AI platform. This role is ideal for someone who loves being at the bench, has honed their craft in a fast-paced industry lab, and takes pride in rigorous, reproducible science.

You will collaborate closely with scientists and roboticists to execute, validate, and optimize protein characterization workflows and cell-based assays as part of an autonomous laboratory platform. If you thrive when given end-to-end ownership of tasks and bring the technical intuition to work independently, we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Protein Expression: Execute protein expression experiments across multiple host systems (e.g., mammalian, E. coli, cell-free) across various scales, from small-scale screens to larger production runs.

• Biophysical Characterization: Perform characterization and developability assays, including Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR), Bio-Layer Interferometry (BLI), and DSF/DSC.

• Cell-Based Assays: Execute binding and functional assays to evaluate candidates against cell-surface targets and assess functional activity.

• Cell Culture Operations: Own the day-to-day operation and organization of the cell culture facility, including routine passaging using sterile technique, inventory tracking, and equipment maintenance.

• Documentation & Quality: Maintain accurate, meticulous experimental records in Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN) and contribute to standard operating procedure (SOP) development.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with scientists and roboticists to ensure seamless handoffs and timely execution across screening and characterization workflows.

Required Qualifications

• Education: B.S./B.A. or M.S. in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline.

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Experience:

• 4–6 years of hands-on industry lab experience with a B.S./B.A., OR

• 2–4 years of hands-on industry lab experience with an M.S.(Deep bench experience is valued over advanced degrees).

• Expression Expertise: Demonstrated experience in protein expression utilizing mammalian cell lines (e.g., Expi293, ExpiCHO) and/or microbial systems.

• Characterization & QC: Strong bench experience with high-throughput protein quality control and biophysical characterization.

• Cell Culture & Flow: Industry experience maintaining mammalian cell lines and conducting cell-based assays, including flow cytometry.

• Mindset & Execution: Strong documentation habits, acute attention to detail, the ability to work independently on defined objectives, and a scrappy, proactive problem-solving mindset.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with early developability assessment assays (e.g., HIC, AC-SINS, PSR).

• Hands-on experience with analytical characterization techniques such as HPLC-SEC, HPLC-HIC, or FACS-based binding assays.

• Experience with imaging-based cell assays (e.g., high-content imaging, fluorescence microscopy).

• Familiarity with cell-free protein expression systems or specialized enzyme workflows.

• Prior exposure to or comfort working with laboratory automation and robotic platforms.

Schedule & Shift Information

This role operates across two non-standard shifts:

• Evening Shift: Monday – Friday, 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM

• Weekend Shift: Saturday – Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Bonuses of joining us!

• Pioneer Physical AI: Work at the cutting edge of autonomous science, bridging wet-lab biology with robotics and artificial intelligence.

• True Ownership: Drive workflows end-to-end with high autonomy, seeing the direct impact of your experimental results on platform development.

• High-Impact Collaboration: Work alongside top-tier roboticists, software engineers, and protein biochemists in a fast-moving, innovative environment.

*We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO), Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers (ULAC), The San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (FCO), and the California Fair Chance Act (CFCA).

*As a job position within our Life Sciences division, a successful completion of a background check may be required as a condition of employment. This requirement is directly related to essential job functions including but not limited to: high-risk work environments (warehouse or industrial areas), high-risk/ high-error job duties that could result in life-threatening injury or death, operation of heavy-duty machinery, working with hazardous chemicals, exposure to other dangerous materials, such as drugs and sharp instruments. Due to these job duties, this position has a significant impact on the business operations and reputation, as well as the safety and well-being of individuals who may be cared for as part of the job position or who may interact with staff or clients.