Research Associate I – Vector Engineering

Yoh is seeking a motivated, hands-on Research Associate I to join our biotechnology client's Vector Engineering team in South San Francisco, CA.

This opportunity is ideal for an early-career scientist with demonstrated mammalian cell culture experience who can contribute quickly to established laboratory workflows supporting adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector production and therapeutic discovery programs.

Location: South San Francisco, CA
Job Type: 3–6 Month Contract
Pay Rate: $28–$38/hr DOE
Schedule: Full-Time, Onsite, Monday–Friday

Position Overview

The ideal candidate will bring hands-on mammalian cell culture experience, strong laboratory fundamentals, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to execute established protocols with limited training.

The Vector Engineering team supports AAV production for research and drug discovery. This position requires someone who is comfortable performing recurring laboratory procedures, maintaining accurate documentation, and contributing to a fast-paced research environment.

Candidates with experience in HEK293 cell culture, larger-scale mammalian cell culture systems, and transfection workflows are especially encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the production of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors for research and drug discovery programs.
• Independently perform routine mammalian cell culture activities, including media preparation, cell maintenance, monitoring, and passaging.
• Support mammalian cell culture expansion and scale-up activities.
• Execute established transfection, viral vector harvesting, and purification workflows following appropriate training on company-specific procedures.
• Perform accurate serological pipetting, serial dilutions, reagent preparation, and sample handling.
• Follow established laboratory protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs) with accuracy and consistency.
• Maintain detailed laboratory documentation, experimental records, and sample traceability.
• Support laboratory inventory management, reagent preparation, and equipment organization.
• Collaborate with scientists and research associates to troubleshoot experimental challenges and improve laboratory workflows.
• Manage multiple laboratory responsibilities while maintaining productivity, quality, and attention to detail.

Required Qualifications

• Educational background in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Demonstrated hands-on mammalian cell culture experience through academic research or biotechnology industry work.
• Ability to independently perform routine cell culture activities using aseptic techniques.
• Hands-on experience with serological pipetting and accurate serial dilutions.
• Strong laboratory fundamentals and ability to follow established protocols with minimal supervision.
• Excellent attention to detail, laboratory documentation, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to execute recurring laboratory procedures accurately and efficiently.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively in a research team.
• Ability to work onsite in South San Francisco five days per week.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience culturing HEK293 or related mammalian cell lines.
• Experience with larger-scale mammalian cell culture systems, including T225 flasks, cell factories, or suspension cultures.
• Experience performing mammalian cell transfections.
• Exposure to AAV production, lentiviral vectors, or gene therapy research.
• Experience with viral vector harvesting or purification workflows.
• Familiarity with protein purification techniques such as FPLC, TFF, depth filtration, or ultracentrifugation.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques such as qPCR, Western blotting, or SDS-PAGE.
• Previous experience in a biotechnology startup or fast-paced research laboratory.

What Makes This Opportunity Unique?

• Contribute directly to AAV vector production supporting innovative therapeutic research.
• Work alongside experienced scientists in a collaborative biotechnology research environment.
• Apply and expand existing mammalian cell culture skills while gaining exposure to specialized viral vector production techniques.
• Develop experience with transfection, vector harvesting, purification, and research-scale production workflows.
• Join a team that values strong technical execution, initiative, attention to detail, and scientific curiosity.

Contract Details: This is a 3–6 month contract assignment. There is no guaranteed conversion to permanent employment. Future opportunities may be considered depending on business needs.

If you are a detail-oriented Research Associate with hands-on mammalian cell culture experience and an interest in viral vector production, we encourage you to apply.

Yoh is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics.

#IND-SPG

Estimated Min Rate: $28.00
Estimated Max Rate: $38.00


What’s In It for You?
We welcome you to be a part of the largest and legendary global staffing companies to meet your career aspirations. Yoh’s network of client companies has been employing professionals like you for over 65 years in the U.S., UK and Canada. Join Yoh’s extensive talent community that will provide you with access to Yoh’s vast network of opportunities and gain access to this exclusive opportunity available to you. Benefit eligibility is in accordance with applicable laws and client requirements. Benefits include:

• Medical, Prescription, Dental & Vision Benefits (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
• Health Savings Account (HSA) (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
• Life & Disability Insurance (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
• MetLife Voluntary Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401K Retirement Savings Plan
• Direct Deposit & weekly epayroll
• Referral Bonus Programs
• Certification and training opportunities

Note: Any pay ranges displayed are estimations. Actual pay is determined by an applicant's experience, technical expertise, and other qualifications as listed in the job description. All qualified applicants are welcome to apply.

Yoh, a Day & Zimmermann company, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Visit https://www.yoh.com/applicants-with-disabilities to contact us if you are an individual with a disability and require accommodation in the application process.

For California applicants, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. All of the material job duties described in this posting are job duties for which a criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship potentially resulting in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment.

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