Prolific Machines · 2 days ago
Research Associate (RA) II/III, Biology (Contract)
Emeryville, California
Contract
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$40/hr - $55/hr
3+ years expProlific Machines is ushering in a new era of biotechnology with light, aiming to make next-generation therapies broadly available to patients. They are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to drive mammalian cell culture-based protein production workflows, optimizing and executing cell line development and protein production to support multiple projects.
BiotechnologyHealth CareLife ScienceMachine LearningManufacturingTherapeutics
Responsibilities
Owning and driving workflows using mammalian cell culture, primarily working with suspension HEK and suspension CHO
Serving as the primary technical owner of many genetically distinct cell lines at once
Handling protein production workflows at different scales - deep well plates and shake flasks, potentially including small scale bioreactors such as the Ambr system
Executing downstream readouts such as cell counting (Celleca, nucleocounter), metabolite measurements (Nova), Octet BLI, flow cytometry
Performing single cell isolation using methods such as FACS, cell deposition, or Beacon
Executing plasmid cloning and molecular biology techniques including PCR and ddPCR
Conducting experiments independently, collecting and analyzing data in a timely manner, maintaining detailed documentation in electronic lab notebooks, and data visualization and presentation in team meetings
Qualification
Required
Hold a Bachelor's degree with 3+ years of relevant industry experience or a Master's degree with 1+ years of relevant experience
Highly proficient in mammalian cell culture, preferably with experience in cell line development, and are well versed in sterile technique, transfection, and clone isolation
Comfortable with readouts such as cell counting, metabolite measurement, Octet BLI and flow cytometry
Comfortable with developing and proposing experimental plans, conducting experiments, and troubleshooting analytical techniques and methodologies
Proficient in precisely following protocols, designing and executing experiments independently, and managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced setting
Self-starter who's committed to team science and effective independent work
Strong organizational skills with an interest in creating and maintaining organizational infrastructure for both lab experiments and with data analysis
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Excitement for working in a fast-paced startup environment and comfort with evolving project scopes and shifting priorities
Benefits
Paid companywide holidays
Paid sick time and vacation time accruals
Options for health benefits through contracting agency
Mental health support
Free team lunches everyday
Great snacks
Companywide social events
Company
Prolific Machines
Prolific Machines unlocks production of next-generation therapeutics with a light-controlled gene expression system and closed-loop control.
11-50 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Prolific Machines has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2024 (1)
2022 (1)
2021 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$97MKey Investors
Ki Tua FundBreakthrough Energy Ventures
2024-06-06Series B· $55M
2022-12-07Convertible Note
2022-09-14Series A· $42M
Leadership Team
Declan Jones
Co-Founder & CIO
Recent News
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2025-08-07
Business Wire
2025-05-17
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