Job Description

Job Description

Ready to transform rare disease research with cutting-edge iPSC technology?

Pave Talent is hiring on behalf of our client—a leading San Diego biotech company pioneering personalized medicine for rare disease patients often overlooked by big pharma. Join an unprecedented 18-month, large-scale iPSC reprogramming project that's breaking new ground in high-throughput disease modeling.

About Our Client

Our client is an established mid-size cell technology company in San Diego, known for their mission-driven, collaborative, and scientifically rigorous culture. They specialize in iPSC generation, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, and patient-specific disease models, serving academic, pharmaceutical, and clinical researchers worldwide. The team is expanding from 4 to 7+ members to support growing project demand.

Your Impact

As a Research Associate, you'll be instrumental in executing a first-of-its-kind large-scale iPSC generation project for a major client. Your work will directly contribute to rare disease research that creates real hope for patient communities. You'll manage multiple concurrent cell line batches in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where attention to detail and scientific excellence drive breakthrough discoveries.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform human iPSC culture, colony picking, and expansion with strict aseptic technique across multiple concurrent batches to meet biweekly (potentially weekly) production timelines
• Execute iPSC reprogramming experiments and protocols under supervision of lead scientists, maintaining high-quality standards throughout multi-week workflows
• Conduct molecular biology techniques including PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA/RNA isolation, transfection, electroporation, and immunostaining to support characterization and validation
• Assist with CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing experiments and downstream assays as part of disease model development projects
• Maintain detailed, organized data recording and lab notebooks that ensure transparency and reproducibility across the team
• Prepare project reports, update SOPs, and support routine lab management duties including equipment maintenance and inventory

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Cellular/Molecular Biology, or closely related field
• 1+ years of mammalian cell culture experience with excellent aseptic technique and biosafety hood proficiency
• Hands-on experience with basic molecular biology techniques (PCR, electrophoresis, transfection, etc.)
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills for managing high-volume, routine bench work
• Comfort working in structured, process-oriented environments with fluid timelines
• Available for occasional weekend work (1-2 times/month, ~2 hours for medium changes)

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of hands-on iPSC culture experience (industry strongly preferred—candidates from Aspen Neuroscience, Fate Therapeutics, or similar iPSC/cell therapy companies are ideal)
• Experience with CRISPR/Cas9 or other gene editing techniques
• iPSC reprogramming experience or exposure to large-scale cell culture projects
• Master's degree in relevant field

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $40,000-$80,000 annually ($19-$38/hour) based on iPSC experience level. Temp-to-hire position with conversion potential within first year based on performance and project pipeline. Comprehensive benefits include medical/dental/vision insurance, 401(k), 120+ hours PTO, 10 paid holidays, employee assistance programs, and performance-based annual bonus eligibility.

Work Environment

Standard schedule: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Monday-Friday (40 hours/week) with 3-month structured onboarding. The team values transparency, scientific rigor, and understanding the "why" behind protocols. Close-knit culture where every team member's contributions directly impact patient-focused research.

Growth Opportunities

Clear advancement path to Scientist level for high performers, with opportunities to train new team members, take on client-facing responsibilities, and contribute to process optimization projects in this rapidly growing field.

Confidential search - your application is fully private. Apply now and Pave Talent will contact qualified candidates within 48 hours!

Equal Opportunity Employer - We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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