Research Associate, Protein Discovery, Newbury Park, CA

job summary:

• We are seeking a highly reliable and hands-on Senior Associate to support a high-output protein engineering lab. Working within the Phage Technology unit, you will execute molecular biology workflows to construct libraries of protein variants for binder discovery. This is an ideal opportunity for a detail-oriented researcher with strong foundational skills in DNA assembly and microbial systems.

location: Newbury Park, California
job type: Contract
salary: $25.00 - 29.85 per hour
work hours: 9 to 5
education: Bachelors

responsibilities:

• Execute molecular biology workflows including PCR, cloning, and DNA assembly for protein variant libraries
• Optimize and troubleshoot selection and binding screens to identify top candidate molecules
• Maintain clear, accurate documentation of experimental plans, procedures, and data results
• Manage microbial culture systems and utilize aseptic techniques for bacterial and yeast handling
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to meet project timelines and deliver high- quality data

 
qualifications:
Required:

• Bachelor's degree with 2+ years of lab experience or a Master's degree
• Hands-on expertise in molecular biology (PCR, cloning, DNA assembly, transformation)
• Proven experience with aseptic technique and microbial systems (bacterial or yeast culture)
• Strong organizational habits and proficiency in Excel for data management
• Local candidate (no relocation provided) available for daily onsite work

Preferred:

• Experience with Phage or Yeast display technologies
• FACS/Flow Cytometry experience
• Prior exposure to protein engineering or AI-assisted scientific workflows

 
skills: Molecular Biology, Biology, Microbiology, Protein Purification, Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)


Equal Opportunity Employer: Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status.

At Randstad, we welcome people of all abilities and want to ensure that our hiring and interview process meets the needs of all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to make your application or interview experience a great one, please contact .


Pay offered to a successful candidate will be based on several factors including the candidate's education, work experience, work location, specific job duties, certifications, etc. In addition, Randstad offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: medical, prescription, dental, vision, AD&D, and life insurance offerings, short-term disability, and a 401K plan (all benefits are based on eligibility).


This posting is open for thirty (30) days.

Qualified applicants in San Francisco with criminal histories will be considered for employment in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.


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.


We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.