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Sr. Research Associate, Assay Development

CellanomeFoster City🇺🇸United StatesPosted Oct 15, 2026

Why This Role Stands Out

As a Sr. Research Associate at Cellanome, you'll contribute to groundbreaking biological discoveries within a well-funded startup, offering significant career and financial growth potential. This hybrid role is ideal for skilled cell and molecular biologists eager to develop cutting-edge technologies alongside a collaborative and capable team. Embrace this chance to make a real impact and advance your career in a dynamic environment.

Quick Overview

Seniority

Mid Senior

Work mode

Hybrid

Location

Foster City, United States

Posted

Yesterday

Job Description

We’re a well-funded start-up. You’ll get a chance to wear many hats, be a part of a growing team, and have the potential for exciting financial and career growth.

Here’s what sets us apart. We’ve set our sights on some of the biggest challenges facing biology today. We’re amassing a world class team of engineers, scientists, team builders and problem solvers to tackle these challenges heads-on. We’re passionate about developing the next generation technologies that will unravel the complexities of biology.

This is a unique opportunity to build, be part of an exciting start-up and be surrounded by good humans who are super capable, humble and down-to- earth.

The Sr. Research Associate will be responsible for executing high-quality end-to-end workflows on the Cellanome R3200 platform in support of a variety of large-scale data generation contracts. The RA will utilize their cell biology experience to process living cells through multi-day assays, and their molecular biology experience to convert those same cells into sequencing-ready libraries. This role reports into the Director, Assay Development.

Essential duties include but are not limited to the following:

Process samples end to end: prepare and assess cells, set up and monitor instrument runs, perform library prep, QC, and sequencing.
Follow SOPs precisely and document all steps, observations, and deviations in real time.
Support troubleshooting with the lab development and other internal teams.
Help improve the existing process by providing feedback and ideas to the assay development team.
Onboard and execute new processes transferred from the development team as the menu expands.
Follow laboratory safety protocols and maintain a clean and organized work environment.
Ability to lift up to 20 lbs for approximately 15% of typical working day.
Ability to grasp with both hands; pinch with thumb and forefinger; turn with hand/arm; reach above shoulder height

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in cell biology, molecular biology, or a related field.
Minimum of 5 years of experience working in a laboratory environment and hands-on experience with cell culture techniques and assays.
Strong attention to detail and ability to follow protocols precisely.
Experience with lab automation.
Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues.
Demonstrated ability to perform the Essential Duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

The estimated base salary range for this position is $95,000 - $108,000/year. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

What you can expect from us:

You’ll feel the energy when you walk in our door – we work hard, we have fun and we have ambitious plans to grow. Cellanome offers a comprehensive employment package that includes a competitive salary, generous stock options, great individual, and family health plans, a 401(k) and flexibility to balance work and life.

We embrace and celebrate the diversity of our employees. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital or parental status, disability, veteran status, or other class protected by applicable law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.