Research Associate, Protein Science & Cell Biology (Contract-to-Hire)

Hiring Agency: Medix

Client Industry: Next-Generation, Automated Biotechnology Platform

Location: San Francisco, CA (On-site / Bay Area Local)

Employment Type: 9-Month Contract-to-Hire

Pay: $38 - $55/hr 

Schedule Options: 

• Weekdays, 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
• Weekends, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

 

Job Summary

Are you a hands-on researcher who loves being at the bench? Do you take pride in rigorous, reproducible science and thrive in a fast-paced industry lab?

Medix is partnering with an innovative, venture-backed biotechnology company in San Francisco to find two (2) highly motivated Research Associates to join their team. This is a 9-month contract-to-hire position operating on an advanced, automated laboratory platform. You will work closely with a cross-functional team of scientists and engineers to execute, validate, and optimize protein characterization workflows and cell-based assays.

We value deep bench experience and a proactive, "get things done" attitude over advanced degrees. If you want to own workflows end-to-end and work at the intersection of high-throughput biotechnology and laboratory automation, we want to hear from you.

 

Key Responsibilities

As a Contract-to-Hire Research Associate, you will independently own and execute experimental workflows, ensuring high-quality data generation for an advanced laboratory platform. Your core duties will include:

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

• Biophysical Characterization: Run protein characterization assays, including SPR, BLI, DSF/DSC, and various developability assays.

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

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

• Documentation & SOPs: Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records in Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN) and contribute to SOP development.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with scientists and cross-functional team members to ensure smooth handoffs and timely execution across the protein screening and characterization workflow.

 

Qualifications & Experience

We are looking for candidates who have spent years honing their craft at the bench and can operate with a high degree of independence.

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

• Industry Experience:

  • With B.S./B.A.: 4–6 years of hands-on, industry lab experience in protein science.

  • With M.S.: 2–4 years of hands-on, industry lab experience in protein science.

• Protein Expression Expertise: Demonstrated experience with mammalian cell lines (e.g., Expi293, ExpiCHO) and/or microbial systems.

• Characterization Skills: Strong hands-on experience with high-throughput protein quality control and biophysical characterization.

• Cell Culture: Experience maintaining mammalian cell lines and performing cell-based assays in an industry setting, including flow cytometry.

• Professional Attributes: Strong documentation habits, excellent attention to detail, a scrappy, can-do attitude, and the ability to work independently on defined tasks.

• Availability: Must be locally based in the Bay Area and ready for a fast turnaround/immediate start for contract placement.

Bonus Points (Preferred, but not required):

• Familiarity with developability assessment assays (HIC, AC-SINS, PSR, or similar).

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

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

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

• Comfort or experience working with lab automation or high-throughput robotics platforms.

 

Why Apply Through Medix?

Medix is dedicated to placing talented laboratory professionals into high-impact roles with top-tier biotech companies. This contract-to-hire opportunity offers a clear pathway to permanent employment with an exceptionally innovative company that is reshaping laboratory workflows.

How to Apply

If you are a Bay Area local, immediately available, and ready to jump into a fast-paced, high-impact role, apply today! Please submit your resume to this job post, highlighting your hands-on industry experience in protein science and cell culture.

^*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.