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Cell Culture Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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Cell Culture Associate information

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How much do cell culture associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for cell culture associate in the United States is $15.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are hiring for Cell Culture Associate jobs?

Cities with the most Cell Culture Associate job openings:

What states have the most Cell Culture Associate jobs?

States with the most job openings for Cell Culture Associate jobs include:

Manufacturing Associate I -Cell Based Manufacturing

BPS Bioscience

San Diego, CA • On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

About BPS Bioscience 

BPS Bioscience is a leading provider of recombinant proteins, assay kits, and cell lines, specializing in supporting drug discovery across various research areas, including cancer, neurology, immunotherapy, epigenetics, and more. We are dedicated to advancing scientific discovery by offering high-quality products and services to researchers worldwide. 


Job Overview

The Manufacturing Associate I, Cell-Based Manufacturing, supports the production of cell-based reagents, assay components, cell culture media, and production of cell lines used in cell-based assay manufacturing.

This role is responsible for preparing and formulating reagents and media, performing routine mammalian cell culture activities, supporting cell line expansion and banking, and quality control testing to ensure materials meet established specifications.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, dependable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, quality-driven laboratory manufacturing environment. This position requires strong documentation practices, careful execution of procedures, good organizational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with QC, QA, and R&D teams. All work must be performed in accordance with applicable procedures, safety requirements, and ISO 9001:2015 quality system expectations.


Responsibilities

Reagent and Media Preparation

  • Accurately retrieve, weigh, measure, mix, formulate, and filter raw materials, reagents, buffers, supplements, and cell culture media according to approved procedures.
  • Verify formulation accuracy, lot information, labeling, and documentation prior to release or further use.
  • Maintain proper handling, storage, and traceability of raw materials, intermediates, and finished components.

Cell Culture, Expansion, and Banking

  • Perform routine mammalian cell culture activities, including cell thawing, feeding, passaging, subculturing, expansion, counting, and cryopreservation.
  • Support the generation and maintenance of Master Cell Banks and Working Cell Banks.
  • Monitor cell growth, morphology, viability, and recovery following established procedures.
  • Maintain accurate cell bank inventory records and ensure proper storage and traceability.

Quality Control Testing

  • Perform QC testing of cell culture media, reagents, and cell lines, including viability testing, growth curve analysis, sterility testing, and mycoplasma screening.
  • Document QC results accurately and promptly in accordance with internal quality system requirements.
  • Communicate any unexpected results, deviations, or potential quality concerns to the supervisor or quality representative.

Documentation and Compliance

  • Complete batch records, worksheets, forms, labels, and electronic records accurately, clearly, and in a timely manner.
  • Follow approved SOPs, work instructions, and ISO 9001:2015 quality system requirements.
  • Support documentation accuracy, product traceability, and change control expectations as applicable.

Labeling, Packaging, and Inventory Support

  • Dispense, label, and package final products and components with attention to accuracy, consistency, and traceability.
  • Use Labguru ELN software to track material usage, manage raw material and cell bank inventory, and support restocking activities.
  • Assist with routine inventory checks and communicate supply needs to support production continuity.

Laboratory Organization and Safety

  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in accordance with 5S principles, laboratory safety procedures, and PPE requirements.
  • Properly handle biological materials, chemicals, and laboratory equipment according to established safety practices.
  • Support routine cleaning, equipment preparation, and general laboratory readiness.

Process and Cross-Functional Support

  • Assist with process development, troubleshooting, optimization, and scale-up activities for new or existing reagent and cell-based manufacturing processes.
  • Collaborate with QC, QA, R&D, and other internal teams to support product quality, process transfer, and production goals.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support department and company objectives


Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline.
  • 0–2 years of experience in a laboratory, manufacturing, cell culture, reagent production, or assay production environment.
  • Basic understanding of aseptic technique and laboratory safety practices.
  • Ability to follow written procedures, accurately complete documentation, and maintain strong attention to detail.
  • Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to changing production priorities.
  • Comfortable working with biological materials, cell culture media, reagents, and standard laboratory equipment.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, including media preparation, cell line maintenance, expansion, and cryopreservation.
  • Experience with cell counting & viability assessment, sterility testing, mycoplasma testing, or growth curve analysis.
  • Experience working in an ISO 9001, GMP, GLP, or other regulated quality system environment.
  • Familiarity with ERP systems, electronic lab notebooks, Labguru, or similar inventory/documentation platforms.
  • Prior experience in biotechnology, life sciences manufacturing, reagent production, or cell-based assay support.


 Benefits!

  • 401k with 4% company match
  • Medical/Dental/Vision health insurance plans
  • Vacation and paid holidays
  • Companywide lunches provided quarterly 


BPS Bioscience Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.