Research Associate III

Job Title: Research Associate III
Location: 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080
Duration: 12-month contract (possibility of extension or conversion to permanent)
Pay Rate: $32.58 – $46.79/hr (W2)
Benefits: Weekly pay, Medical, Dental, Vision
 
About the Role
Our client is seeking a Research Associate III to join the Investigative Toxicology Group within the Translational Safety department. This lab-based role supports the evaluation of drug safety and mechanisms of toxicity using advanced in vitro and ex vivo models. The group partners across Research and Early Development to provide fit-for-purpose investigations that inform safety assessments from drug discovery through clinical development.
The ideal candidate is a motivated researcher with strong experience in cell culture techniques, assay development, and data analysis. This position offers the opportunity to apply state-of-the-art tools, contribute to peer-reviewed publications, and work on projects spanning diverse therapeutic areas.
 
Key Responsibilities

• Perform cell culture and expansion of primary cells and cell lines across multiple tissue types (immune, blood, liver, vascular, ocular, and immortalized lines).
• Conduct in vitro assays including cytotoxicity, metabolic assessments, high content imaging, flow cytometry, Luminex/ELISAs, and gene expression analysis.
• Capture and analyze cell imaging data using confocal microscopy and high-content screening platforms.
• Maintain accurate experimental records, analyze results, and present data effectively.
• Draft and review protocols, contribute to technical reports, and ensure compliance with departmental SOPs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support hypothesis-driven investigations and issue mitigation strategies.
• Work independently on routine assays with minimal supervision while contributing to method qualification and implementation.

 
Qualifications

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Science, Biology, Bioengineering, Chemistry, Physiology, or a related field required.
  • Master’s degree preferred but not required.
• Experience:
  • 1–3+ years of laboratory research experience.
  • Hands-on expertise in cell culture (primary and immortalized) and standard molecular/cellular biology assays.
  • Proficiency in data analysis, interpretation, and presentation.
  • Experience with flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, high-content imaging, and complex in vitro models is highly desirable.

 
Additional Requirements

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment.
• Comfortable with repetitive lab tasks (pipetting, labeling, culture maintenance).
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Willingness to work with potentially hazardous materials, including chemotherapeutics, biological agents, and human-derived samples.