Scientist I - Cell & Microbiology

The Scientist I will support daily laboratory operations associated with Culture Collection and panel activities while providing reliable and scientifically sound biological solutions to internal customers and cross-functional partners. You have a Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or a related scientific discipline with 4+ years of relevant industry experience , or a Master's degree with 2+ years of relevant experience .

Scientist I - Cell & Microbiology
Pay Rates: $40.00- $49.00/hr, weekly pay!
Location: 100% onsite in Pleasanton, CA
Contract Length: 1 year with potential for extension and/or permanent placement
Benefits: Medical Coverage including Vision, Dental
 

About the Role
Microbial and mammalian cell culture systems are fundamental to the development of innovative molecular diagnostic solutions. As a Scientist I – Cell & Microbiology, you will contribute to the cultivation, characterization, production, and management of biological materials that support research and development programs.
In this role, you will be part of a specialized scientific team responsible for the acquisition, characterization, production, and lifecycle management of biological materials used throughout the product development lifecycle. Working at the intersection of microbiology, mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, and biospecimen management, you will help deliver high-quality biological resources that enable scientific innovation.
The Scientist I will support daily laboratory operations associated with Culture Collection and panel activities while providing reliable and scientifically sound biological solutions to internal customers and cross-functional partners.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Plan and execute laboratory activities with a high degree of independence, applying scientific knowledge to support Culture Collection and panel production initiatives.
• Execute assigned project activities under minimal supervision using established procedures, scientific knowledge, and relevant laboratory experience.
• Manipulate human cell lines, microorganisms, and other biological materials in support of research and product development activities.
• Perform nucleic acid extraction, including DNA, RNA, and plasmid extraction, along with nucleic acid quantification and standard recombinant cloning techniques.
• Grow bacterial cultures under aseptic conditions to support transformation and plasmid propagation activities.
• Generate, characterize, maintain, and manage biological materials used in assay development, clinical studies, and product development.
• Analyze experimental data, troubleshoot technical challenges, and recommend scientifically sound solutions.
• Lead small- to moderate-complexity projects by coordinating laboratory activities, managing timelines, and communicating project status to stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate and complete electronic laboratory records using validated systems, including LIMS and electronic laboratory notebooks (eLN).
• Prepare and contribute to scientific reports, technical documentation, presentations, and knowledge-transfer activities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support biological material requests and project objectives.
• Support day-to-day laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, inventory management, material tracking, and laboratory organization.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives designed to enhance laboratory efficiency, quality, and reliability.
• Perform all activities in accordance with applicable safety, quality, and regulatory requirements, including OSHA, ISO, QSR, and laboratory-specific procedures.

WHO YOU ARE

• You have a Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or a related scientific discipline with 4+ years of relevant industry experience, or a Master's degree with 2+ years of relevant experience.
• You have hands-on laboratory experience in microbiology, mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, and aseptic laboratory techniques.
• You are comfortable working with diverse biological materials, including microorganisms, mammalian cell lines, and human-derived specimens in a BSL-2 laboratory environment.
• You have experience working with infectious human materials, including viral or pathogenic bacterial materials, engineered biological materials, and specimen types such as blood, serum, urine, and stool.
• You have knowledge of bacterial enumeration, Most Probable Number (MPN) methods, MALDI-TOF identification, microbial taxonomy, and microbial characterization techniques.
• You understand the importance of accurate laboratory documentation, data integrity, Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and validated laboratory systems such as LIMS and electronic laboratory notebooks.
• You can independently plan laboratory activities, prioritize competing tasks, and troubleshoot technical or scientific challenges.
• You are comfortable performing routine laboratory activities such as plating, pipetting, labeling, stocking, aliquoting, and vialing biological materials.
• You are highly organized and detail-oriented, with a strong commitment to laboratory quality and scientific integrity.
• You work effectively in collaborative, cross-functional environments and communicate clearly with scientists, laboratory teams, and other stakeholders.
• You are motivated by continuous learning, scientific excellence, and process improvement.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Experience with automated laboratory workflows, robotics, or high-throughput laboratory systems.
• Experience supporting molecular diagnostic, assay development, or platform development programs.
• Experience managing small- to moderate-complexity scientific projects, including timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder communication.
• Previous client-facing, internal customer support, or service-oriented laboratory experience.
• Strong analytical, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot problems and develop practical laboratory solutions.
• Experience working within a global, matrixed, or cross-functional organization.
• Experience working in a regulated laboratory or diagnostic environment.

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