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Research Associate - Foundry

Medra· Science
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San FranciscoFull-timePosted 6mo ago

About the role

Hands-on Research Associate to run a wide range of protein science and cell biology assays on Medra's autonomous lab platform, with regular night/weekend shifts and close collaboration with scientists and roboticists.

Responsibilities

  • Run scheduled experiments, monitor automated runs in progress, and keep the platform loaded, supplied, and productive so it never sits idle
  • Support protein production workflows end to end: construct prep and assembly PCR, protein expression across host systems (e.g., mammalian, E. coli, cell-free) at scales from small screens to larger production runs, bead-based cleanup, and affinity/column purification
  • Run protein characterization and QC assays, including SPR/BLI kinetics and quantitation (e.g., Carterra, Gator), DSF/DSC, HPLC-based purity and analytical QC, developability assays, and sample QC (e.g., NanoDrop), and flag off-spec results
  • Perform cell-based binding and functional assays, including flow cytometry sample prep and analysis
  • Maintain the cell culture facility day to day, including routine passaging with sterile technique, inventory management, and equipment maintenance
  • Operate liquid handlers, magnetic particle processors (e.g., KingFisher), and plate-based workstations: load decks, launch methods, and recover from routine errors
  • Follow SOPs precisely and help write and improve them; keep accurate, detailed records and metadata in the electronic lab notebook (ELN)
  • Keep the lab shift-ready: restock consumables, manage sample chain of custody, follow BSL-2 and EHS practices, and leave clear handoff notes so the day team and the platform can pick up seamlessly

Qualifications

  • B.S., B.A., or M.S. in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Chemistry, or a related scientific field
  • Hands-on wet-lab experience (industry experience preferred); we value deep bench skills over advanced degrees
  • Hands-on experience with some of the following: protein expression and purification, biophysical characterization, mammalian cell culture, or cell-based assays
  • Availability to work night and/or weekend shifts on a regular basis
  • Exceptional attention to detail and reliable follow-through; you run the same step the same way every time and notice when something looks off
  • Strong documentation habits and the ability to work independently and troubleshoot calmly
  • A fast learner with a scrappy, can-do attitude who wants to master new, multi-step workflows
  • Genuine enthusiasm for automation and robotics; you're excited to work alongside machines

Skills

Required:Protein expression and purificationCell-based assaysAutomation and roboticsSOPs and ELN documentation
Nice to have:Mammalian cell culture

Benefits

  • Relocation benefits for applicants who need to relocate
Last updated Sep 23, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Medra

Hand over lab work

Scientists automate protocols with Medra’s autonomous robotic system.

BiochemistryCell BiologyGenomicsHistologyMicrobial discoveryAIRobotics
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