About this role
Research Associate I – Vector Engineering
Location
South San Francisco, CA Job Type: Contract to Hire Pay Rate: $28–38/hr DOE Schedule: Onsite, Full Time M–F
Position Overview
The ideal candidate will have strong laboratory fundamentals, exceptional attention to detail, and a demonstrated ability to learn quickly in a collaborative, fast-paced research environment. Our client values individuals who demonstrate initiative, high productivity, strong execution, and the potential to take on increasing responsibility.
Key Responsibilities
-
Support the production of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors for research and drug discovery.
-
Perform routine mammalian cell culture activities, including media preparation, cell maintenance, and passaging.
-
Learn and execute transfection, viral vector harvest, and purification workflows.
-
Execute established laboratory protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
-
Maintain accurate laboratory documentation and sample tracking.
-
Support reagent preparation, inventory management, and laboratory organization.
-
Collaborate with scientists and research associates to troubleshoot technical challenges.
-
Identify opportunities to improve laboratory workflows and processes.
-
Required Qualifications
-
Educational background in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline.
-
Hands-on laboratory experience through academic research or industry.
-
Experience with serological pipetting and performing accurate serial dilutions.
-
Strong attention to detail and ability to follow laboratory protocols.
-
Excellent organizational, documentation, and communication skills.
-
Demonstrated initiative, productivity, and ability to manage multiple responsibilities.
-
Willingness to learn new techniques, take ownership of responsibilities, and develop independent laboratory skills.
-
Preferred Qualifications
-
Experience with mammalian cell culture, particularly HEK293 cells.
-
Familiarity with transfection techniques.
-
Exposure to AAV, lentiviral vectors, or gene therapy research.
-
Experience with qPCR, Western blotting, or SDS-PAGE.
-
Familiarity with purification methods such as FPLC, TFF, depth filtration, or ultracentrifugation.
-
Previous experience in a biotechnology startup or fast-paced research laboratory.
-
What Makes This Opportunity Unique?
-
Work alongside experienced scientists developing innovative therapeutic technologies.
-
Gain hands-on experience with AAV production and advanced molecular biology techniques.
-
Join a growing biotechnology organization with opportunities for professional development.
-
Receive training and mentorship to expand technical capabilities.
-
Potential for long-term employment and internal career advancement.
-
If you are an ambitious early-career Research Associate with strong laboratory fundamentals, a demonstrated record of accomplishment, and a passion for biotechnology, 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.
-
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.
-
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
-
By applying and submitting your resume, you authorize Yoh to review and reformat your resume to meet Yoh’s hiring clients’ preferences. To learn more about Yoh’s privacy practices, please see our Candidate Privacy Notice: https://www.yoh.com/privacy-notice
-
Stay Safe During Your Job Search
-
Fraudulent recruiting communications have become increasingly common. Emails from Yoh recruiters will only come from an @yoh.com email address. Yoh will never ask candidates to pay fees, purchase equipment, send gift cards, or transfer funds as part of the recruiting or hiring process. If you receive a communication that appears suspicious or requests payment, contact Yoh directly before responding or sharing personal information.
-
10-22-2026