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Cell Culture Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Orion Group

Associate Scientist I

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$36 - $40/hr

The Associate Scientist I will be a member of the CMC Biologics Cell Culture Development group, responsible for providing support for the development of novel biologics and bioprocess innovation ...

Dawar Consulting

Research Associate I

Foster City, CA · On-site

$65 - $90/hr

Research Associate I Foster City, CA, United States | Posted on 08/04/2026 Our client, a world ... This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career scientist with experience in cell culture ...

System One

Associate Scientist

Fremont, CA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Associate Scientist - Mammalian Cell Culture Location: Fremont, CA Pay Rate: $22-25/hour Hours : M-F 8AM-5PM Type: 6 Month Contract potential for hire Overview Biopharmaceutical Division of a Global ...

RD Partners

Research Associate I

Foster City, CA · On-site

$39.85/hr

... cell culture needs and provide necessary support for ongoing research activities. · Engage with ... What we are looking for in a Research Associate I: · B.S. degree in Molecular Biology, Cell ...

AcuraStem

Research associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

The incumbent candidate should have experience with mammalian cell culture. The research associate will follow detailed protocols in excruciating detail but also has the ability to propose ...

AcuraStem

Research associate

Los Angeles, CA

The incumbent candidate should have experience with mammalian cell culture. The research associate will follow detailed protocols in excruciating detail but also has the ability to propose ...

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Cell Culture Associate information

What is a cell culture associate?

A Cell Culture Associate is a laboratory professional responsible for growing and maintaining cells under controlled conditions, typically for research, pharmaceutical, or biotechnological purposes. They prepare culture media, monitor cell health, perform aseptic techniques, and document results. This role is essential for supporting scientific experiments and producing biological products such as vaccines or therapeutic proteins. Cell Culture Associates work closely with scientists to ensure cell lines are healthy and experiments run smoothly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cell culture associate?

To thrive as a Cell Culture Associate, you need a solid background in biology or a related field, with hands-on experience in aseptic technique and mammalian cell culture. Familiarity with laboratory equipment such as biosafety cabinets, incubators, and analytical tools like microscopes and cell counters is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective teamwork help ensure accuracy and maintain high-quality results. These skills are critical for producing reliable cultures, supporting research or production goals, and maintaining a safe and compliant laboratory environment.

What are some of the common challenges cell culture associates face in maintaining cell line integrity?

Cell Culture Associates often encounter challenges such as contamination, genetic drift, and inconsistent cell growth, all of which can compromise cell line integrity. Strict adherence to aseptic techniques and routine monitoring of cultures are essential to prevent contamination from bacteria, fungi, or cross-contamination between cell lines. Additionally, maintaining detailed records and following standardized protocols help ensure reproducibility and reliability of experimental results. Collaboration with team members and open communication are also vital for quickly identifying and addressing any issues that may arise.

What is the difference between Cell Culture Associate vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectCell Culture AssociateLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate degree or higher in biology, microbiology, or related fieldAssociate degree or equivalent in science or laboratory technology
Work EnvironmentBiotech or pharmaceutical labs focused on cell culture and biological researchVaried labs including clinical, research, or industrial settings
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily biotech, pharma, and research institutionsBroadly used across healthcare, research, and industrial labs
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

The Cell Culture Associate and Laboratory Technician roles often share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, especially in biotech and research labs. While both positions require technical skills and laboratory experience, the Cell Culture Associate specializes more in cell culture techniques, whereas Laboratory Technicians may handle a wider range of laboratory tasks. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the best fit for their skills and career goals.

What cities in California are hiring for Cell Culture Associate jobs?

Cities in California with the most Cell Culture Associate job openings:

Cell Culture Associate jobs near you

Cell Culture Senior Research Associate (Primary Human Cells)

Vertex Pharmaceuticals

San Diego, CA • On-site

$75K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Vertex Pharmaceuticals rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 86 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

Job Description
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is seeking a highly skilled and proactive Senior Research Associate to join our Human Cell Core, contributing to the development and execution of advanced human cell models at scale. The successful candidate will work in a team setting, maintaining and expanding primary human cells at scale and operating automation-enabled cell culture platforms. Success in this position requires a high degree of reliability, attention to detail, adaptability, problem solving skills and ability to work in a team-oriented environment.
Key Responsibilities
  • Work collaboratively as a team to maintain and expand primary human cells at scale
  • Operate state-of-the-art instrumentation and liquid handling equipment to support human cells at scale
  • Participate in planning experiments and execute new ideas to scale cell models and technologies
  • Recognize problems and conduct troubleshooting on a routine basis
  • Conducts complex, multi-component experiments independently
  • Clearly and effectively communicate information within the team and present at internal group meetings

Knowledge and Skills:
  • Experience working with laboratory instrumentation including complex troubleshooting
  • Experience with techniques required to culture primary human cells and/or stem cells
  • Excellent communication skills and adaptive to a time-line driven work environment
  • Excellent multitasking skills, attention to detail and ability to work in a collaborative environment
  • Ability and willingness to work rotating weekend shifts and holidays according to business needs

Minimum Qualifications
  • Master's degree in biological sciences or related field and 0-2 years' experience in a research laboratory
  • Bachelor's degree in biological sciences or related field and 4+ years' experience in a research laboratory

#LI-KM1
#LI-Onsite
Pay Range:
$75,200 - $112,800
Disclosure Statement:
The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.
At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.
Flex Designation:
On-Site Designated
Flex Eligibility Status:
In this On-Site designated role, you will work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.
Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex's Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.
#LI-Onsite
Company Information
Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.
Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.
Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com

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