Associate

About the Role

• Position: Associate
• Location: Thousand Oaks, CA
• Duration: 36 months
• Schedule: Standard daytime business hours (approx. 8 AM-5 PM), with flexibility for earlier or later start times.

Key Responsibilities

• Support next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflows.
• Provide cross-functional laboratory support for yeast culture maintenance.
• Prepare, quality-check, and troubleshoot sequencing libraries.
• Support sequencing runs.
• Maintain accurate sample and project records.
• Perform routine molecular biology techniques, including accurate pipetting, PCR, DNA cleanup, and bead-based purification.
• Assess DNA and library quality using DNA quantification methods and TapeStation or gel-based analysis.
• Prepare and load samples onto sequencing instruments.
• Follow procedures to prevent sample mix-ups and cross-contamination.
• Recognize unexpected results, document observations, and escalate issues.
• Maintain accurate sample identification, project and sample tracking, and electronic laboratory notebook records.
• Use tools such as Benchling, Excel, or other electronic tracking systems.
• Perform yeast cell culture or other cell culture activities using appropriate aseptic technique.
• Maintain and operate laboratory equipment, perform routine setup and care, and report maintenance issues.
• Work with laboratory automation and robotics.
• Follow written procedures and safety requirements.
• Complete assigned training.
• Maintain an organized work area.
• Prioritize work across multiple samples and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and reliability.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Foundational molecular biology knowledge.
• Hands-on laboratory experience.
• Detail-oriented.
• Organized.
• Scientifically curious.
• Comfortable supporting high-volume DNA sample processing.
• Comfortable with sample tracking.
• Comfortable with automated laboratory workflows.
• Strong communication skills.
• Adaptability.
• Ability to manage multiple projects.
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation.
• Understands the reasoning behind laboratory procedures.
• Demonstrates learning agility.
• Eager to grow professionally.
• Familiarity with Benchling, Excel, or other electronic tracking systems is beneficial.
• Experience with NGS, library preparation, DNA quantification, TapeStation or gel analysis, cell culture, sample tracking, or laboratory automation is beneficial.

Qualifications

• Scientific acumen and critical thinking.
• Experience with molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, biochemistry, or sequencing is especially relevant.
• Efficient, detail-oriented execution.
• Experience with repetitive protocols, high sample volumes, careful recordkeeping, or meeting time-sensitive project milestones can suggest readiness.
• Learning agility and initiative.
• Ability to learn new laboratory methods on the job.
• Dependable.
• Ability to stay calm while managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Takes initiative.
• Asks questions when instructions or results are unclear.
• Works collaboratively with colleagues and across teams.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field is preferred.
• Experience gained through academic research, internships, or industry is acceptable.
• Prior experience with laboratory automation and robotics is not required, but interest in learning is encouraged.

Compensation

• Hourly Rate: $20.00 - $21.00 per hour.