At Element Biosciences, we are passionate about our mission to empower the scientific community with more freedom and flexibility to accelerate our collective impact on humanity. We have built a highly efficient product-driven organization where employees can learn, grow, and thrive in a challenging but encouraging environment. We are committed to scientific integrity, collegiality, honesty, objectivity, and openness.
We are seeking an experienced Research Associate, Systems Integration who will play a pivotal role in supporting the development, optimization, and integration of molecular biology workflows for next-generation life science products. This is an incredible opportunity for someone who is passionate about hands-on laboratory work, experimental rigor, troubleshooting, and helping translate innovative technologies into reliable product workflows. We are looking for candidates with a solid background in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, or a related discipline. Experience with nucleic acid handling, enzymatic reactions, assay execution, sample preparation, and data documentation is a must. This role will report to Vice President, Systems Integration and will be an on-site San Diego-based role.
If you possess the following and want to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to explore this role.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
- Execute molecular biology and biochemical assays to support product integration, workflow optimization, and performance testing
- Perform nucleic acid and protein-related laboratory techniques, including DNA/RNA handling, buffer preparation, reagent formulation, enzymatic reactions, hybridization-based assays, amplification workflows, and NGS-based readouts
- Prepare, process, and analyze biological samples such as cultured cells, fixed cells, tissue sections, or other relevant sample types
- Support assay optimization by testing protocol variables such as reagent concentrations, incubation times, temperature conditions, wash conditions, sample preparation steps, and workflow timing
- Generate high-quality experimental data and evaluate assay performance using metrics such as signal intensity, background, reproducibility, specificity, sensitivity, sample quality, and workflow robustness
- Operate and maintain common laboratory equipment such as pipettes, centrifuges, thermocyclers, plate readers, fluorescence microscopes, incubators, biosafety cabinets, and next generation sequencers where applicable
- Assist with troubleshooting assay failures, reagent issues, sample variability, workflow inconsistencies, and instrument-related observations
- Maintain accurate and complete experimental records, including electronic lab notebook entries, protocols, data files, analysis summaries, and technical reports
- Collaborate with scientists, engineers, manufacturing, quality, applications, and product development teams to support product readiness, protocol transfer, and workflow reliability
- Support verification, validation, and design transfer activities by executing structured test plans and documenting results according to internal standards
- Help maintain an organized, safe, and compliant laboratory environment, including inventory tracking, reagent labeling, sample management, and adherence to safety procedures
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, biology, genetics, cell biology, biomedical engineering, or a related scientific field
- 1-3+ years of relevant laboratory experience for Research Associate level; additional industry experience may be considered for a more senior level
- Hands-on experience with core molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA handling, pipetting, reagent preparation, enzymatic assays, amplification reactions, and sequencing
- Experience working with biological samples such as cultured cells, fixed cells, tissue sections, or extracted nucleic acids and proteins
- Strong laboratory technique, attention to detail, and ability to execute complex multistep protocols reproducibly
- Experience analyzing and organizing experimental data using tools such as Excel, JMP, ImageJ/Fiji, or similar software
- Ability to recognize technical issues, communicate observations clearly, and contribute to structured troubleshooting
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document experiments clearly and present results to cross-functional teams
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced product development environment
- Preferred experience with one or more of the following: fluorescence microscopy, immunofluorescence, in situ hybridization, PCR/qPCR, NGS library preparation, oligo handling, protein detection assays, tissue processing, or assay development
- Preferred experience in biotechnology, life science tools, diagnostics, genomics, sequencing, imaging, or product development environments
Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while performing benchwork or data analysis
- Must be able to operate standard laboratory equipment, including pipettes, centrifuges, thermocyclers, microscopes, and computers
- Frequently moves laboratory supplies, reagent containers, sample boxes, or equipment weighing up to 20 pounds
- Must be able to perform repetitive fine-motor tasks such as pipetting, tube handling, slide handling, and sample preparation
- Must be able to work safely with standard molecular biology reagents, biological samples, and laboratory chemicals in accordance with established safety protocols
Location:
Travel:
- Minimal travel anticipated
Job Type:
Base Compensation Pay Range:
In addition to base compensation noted above, you will be eligible for stock options, discretionary annual bonus, no cost health insurance plans, 401k with company match, and flexible paid time off.
Please note: Base compensation will depend on multiple factors, including geographic location, qualifications, and experience.
We foster an environment such that all people are afforded the freedom to pursue their passions without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.