Associate Scientist - Cell Biology / Assay Development (Metabolic)

Location: San Francisco, CA
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Employment Type: Long-term Contract / Contract to Hire potential

About the Opportunity
Join a small, highly collaborative biotech/pharma research team as an Associate Scientist. In this hands-on, bench-focused role, you will execute experiments under the direction of Scientists across a range of projects, applying a broad set of cell-based and molecular techniques. This is an excellent opportunity for a nimble, curious lab professional who enjoys variety and wants to grow technical breadth in a fast-moving environment.

REQUIRED: Bachelor's or Master's Degree with at least 1-3 years in Biotech/Pharma Industry. Adipocyte tissue experience preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on laboratory work in support of multiple research projects, taking direction from Scientists
• Maintain and culture mammalian cell lines, including more complex culture systems as projects require
• Execute protein and immunoassay workflows, including Western blots, ELISAs, HTRF, and absorbance-based readouts
• Perform qPCR and other core molecular biology techniques
• Record experiments and results in bench notebooks in accordance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
• Complete documentation and data entry outside the lab (approx. 20% of time)
• Flex across projects as priorities shift, collaborating with colleagues in other departments who can support and share expertise

Required Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture (bacterial culture experience alone is not sufficient)
• Experience with Western blotting (JESS experience is a plus)
• Experience with ELISA, HTRF, and absorbance-based assays
• Experience with qPCR and other basic molecular biology techniques
• Broad technical background across multiple techniques rather than a single narrow specialty
• Strong bench skills and attention to detail, including precise, steady hands
• Working knowledge of GLP documentation practices
• Self-starter who is comfortable taking direction and working in a fast-paced, cross-functional team

Preferred Qualifications

• Adipocyte cell culture or adipocyte biology experience (highly valued)
• iPSC culture experience
• Confocal / high-content imaging experience (e.g., Opera Phenix, Columbus analysis software)
• Cell staining and phenotyping techniques
• Antibody experience
• Biochemical assay experience
• Complex cell culture models
• Prior experience in a small to mid-sized biotech or pharma environment

Why This Role

• Small, efficient team where your contributions are visible and valued
• Broad technical exposure: work across multiple projects rather than a single narrow focus
• Cross-functional environment with subject-matter experts ready to help you learn and grow
• Nimble biotech/pharma setting that rewards initiative and self-direction
• Strong growth path for early- to mid-career scientists looking to expand their skill set

Impellam Group and its brands are equal-opportunity employers committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other factor determined to be unlawful under applicable law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application, interview process, pre-employment activity, and the performance of crucial job functions.

If you require additional disability considerations, modifications, or adjustments please let us know by contacting HR-InfoImpellamNA@impellam.com or fill out this form to request accommodations.