Research Associate, Molecular and Cell Biology

The Team

The CELLxSTATE Program is building next-generation technologies to decode and control how cells make decisions — combining live-cell imaging, multi-omics, and AI at unprecedented scale. At the core of this effort is multiDPS (Multimodal Dynamic Pooled Screening), a high-throughput experimental platform that integrates custom microscopy, automation, CRISPR screening and molecular profiling to map and predict dynamic cell states. As part of this effort, the Intracellular Architecture team at the CZ Biohub San Francisco (https://www.czbiohub.org/leonetti) is building scalable technologies to map the molecular architecture of human cells, how it changes in disease, and how we can control it.

For this we combine genome engineering, fluorescence microscopy, proteomics, robotics, software engineering and data science. We build large datasets and use them to draw new biological insights. For example, our OpenCell project provides a large reference of protein localization and interactions that can be mined and re-used by the entire community for discovery (https://opencell.czbiohub.org/). Our science is fully open-source and published in journals like Science, Nature Methods, and Cell (https://bit.ly/3T5Fbmf; https://go.nature.com/3rXOSae; https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0092867424013448).

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Research Associate to help build our high-throughput cell engineering pipeline and high-content imaging platform. This is a great opportunity for candidates with a strong interest in cell biology and biotechnology, supported by experts in a highly collaborative and well-funded scientific environment. Recent graduates interested in research experience before applying to graduate or medical school are welcome to apply.

What You'll Do

• Perform cell engineering using CRIPSR-Cas9 system or recombinase system.
• Apply basic molecular biology techniques such as PCR, plasmid cloning, and DNA/RNA preparation to support cell engineering and molecular assays.
• Execute live-cell and fixed-cell imaging experiments, with a focus on high-content imaging approaches to generate large-scale, quantitative datasets.
• Manipulate cellular function using chemical and CRIPSR-based perturbations.
• Analyze experimental data using Python, ImageJ, and Napari.
• Contribute to publications through data generation, figure preparation, and methods documentation, with authorship opportunities.

What You'll Bring

• B.Sc. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering or a related discipline
• At least 1 year of cell biology experience in an academic or industrial research laboratory setting 
• At least 1 year of tissue culture experience
• At least 1 year of microscopy experience
• Strong attention to detail in maintaining lab notebooks
• Passion for research and learning new techniques
• Enthusiasm for collaboration and open science and team-oriented mindset
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

Compensation

The San Francisco, CA base pay range for a new hire in this role is $71,000.00 - $98,000.00. New hires are typically hired into the lower portion of the range, enabling employee growth in the range over time. Actual placement in range is based on job-related skills and experience, as evaluated throughout the interview process. 

Benefits for the Whole You 

We’re thankful to have an incredible team behind our work. To honor their commitment, we offer a wide range of benefits to support the people who make all we do possible. 

• Provides a generous employer match on employee 401(k) contributions to support planning for the future.
• Paid time off to volunteer at an organization of your choice. 
• Funding for select family-forming benefits. 
• Relocation support for employees who need assistance moving

If you’re interested in a role but your previous experience doesn’t perfectly align with each qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply as you may be the perfect fit for this or another role.

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