Posted 13 August, 2026

Job Id: 630055

Research Associate Support Resource


Location: San Francisco, California
Category: Scientific
Salary: Apply for details
Country: United States
Employment: Contract
Worksite: On-Site
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Job Description

DESCRIPTION:
The contractor Research Associate will work closely with the Analytical Development team in the Tech Dev department to help methods development and test samples utilizing PCR, ELISA, cell-based and other assays; as well as to contribute to design and performing experiments with supervision as needed; complete assigned tasks within time frames with high quality; maintain a well-documented record of activities in ELN and reports. Additionally, the role includes regularly summarizing and presenting experimental results in meetings and participating in reports writing. The position level will be commensurate with education and experience level. This role will be at our South San Francisco R&D facility.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
* Help to develop and optimize assays for protein, DNA, adeno associated viral (AAV) nanoparticles and related cell-based assay.
* Perform routine testing including but not limited to PCR (ddPCR, qPCR etc.), ELISA, and cell-based assays following SOP and regulatory guidelines
* In volve in assay transfer to other groups, QC, testing group and Research
* Participate in writing, reviewing, and editing experimental procedures and reports
* Maintain accurate, error-free records of all analytical development activities timely
* Analyze and determine the applicability of laboratory data to draw conclusions and to make appropriate recommendations.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
* Bachelor of Science with 3+ years experience working in pharmaceutical or biotech company performing biologic assays for characterization of proteins, DNA, RNA, virus or other biological products.
* Proven experience with assays, such as PCR, ELISA, and mammalian cell-based assays.
* Proven hands-on experience with sterile technique for handling and growing mammalian cell lines, including maintenance, cell characterization and differentiation, expansion, and banking
* Experience or knowledge with routine molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA/protein isolation, cDNA synthesis, RT-PCR, qPCR, dd PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence)
* Positive, professional self-starter with a passion for science, innovative technical and analytical skills required to perform at the highest level
* Highly motivated and independent yet has successfully worked in a group setting with efficient, flexible and self-motivated work ethic; to be utilized in work planning, executing, and data analyzing.
* Excellent clear and concise writing skills for technical reports and documents along with strong verbal communication skills
* Proven ability to work in cross-functional teams as a strong team player as well as independently.
* Successful history and the ability to handle several fast-paced projects concurrently.
* Excellent communication, writing and presentation skills to technical and non-technical audiences.
* Proficient working in Microsoft Office Suite

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
* Experience working with Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV)
* Experience in analytical method development and assay transfer
* Experience in statistical analysis

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, sex, gender identity or expression, disability, age, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations. It is our policy not to discriminate against any applicant or employee, and we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful work environment across all locations in which we operate. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our mission and enhance our ability to serve clients globally. If you have a disability or require any reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please inform your recruiter or contact us directly so that we can explore the appropriate arrangements.

Fraud Alert

Candidate safety is a top priority at Planet Pharma. The industry has seen an increase in people falsely representing themselves as recruiters to gather personal information from job seekers. For your safety, do not provide sensitive data to anyone you have not spoken with thoroughly, never provide banking information during the application process and always double check the email address of the Recruiter to ensure it’s from an official Planet Pharma domain (@planet-pharma.com, @planet-pharma.co.uk, and @ppgadvisorypartners.com) and not a domain with an alternative extension like .net, .org or .jobs.

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