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Cell Culture Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Join our cell culture research team as a Research Associate II, where you'll perform advanced laboratory testing, drive method development, and mentor junior staff in a collaborative, fast-paced ...

We are looking for a talented Cell Culture Process Engineer to join our R&D Strategic Innovation Accelerator team. In this role, you will help drive next-generation biomanufacturing solutions by ...

We are looking for a talented Cell Culture Process Engineer to join our R&D Strategic Innovation Accelerator team. In this role, you will help drive next-generation biomanufacturing solutions by ...

Cell Biologist

Charlottesville, VA ยท On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

The role will involve managing cell culture laboratory efforts at Luna Labs, including hands-on laboratory work across a range of currently funded programs and contributions to establishing new ...

Showing results 21-40

Cell Culture information

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How much do cell culture jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for cell culture in the United States is $21.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $27.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in cell culture, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in cell culture often encounter challenges such as contamination, variability in cell growth, and maintaining consistent experimental conditions. Dealing with contamination requires strict adherence to aseptic techniques and regular equipment maintenance. Variability in cell growth can be minimized by carefully monitoring cell passage numbers, using validated reagents, and maintaining proper documentation. Open communication with team members and regular troubleshooting meetings can also help address unexpected issues efficiently.

What is the difference between Cell Culture vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectCell CultureLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in biology, microbiology, or related field; specialized training in cell culture techniquesUsually requires a high school diploma or associate degree; on-the-job training in lab procedures
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, biotech companies, pharmaceutical labs focusing on cell growth and manipulationGeneral laboratory settings across various industries including healthcare, environmental, and manufacturing
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in biotech, pharmaceutical, and research institutionsWidely used across healthcare, research, and industrial labs

Cell Culture specialists focus on growing and maintaining cells for research or production, requiring specialized skills and training. Laboratory Technicians perform a broader range of lab tasks across various settings, often with less specialized training. Both roles are essential in laboratory environments but differ in scope and expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cell culture specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cell Culture Specialist, you need a background in biology or biotechnology, hands-on experience with aseptic techniques, and familiarity with cell biology principles, often supported by a relevant degree. Proficiency with laboratory equipment like biosafety cabinets, incubators, and knowledge of LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) or related data tracking software is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this field. These skills and qualities ensure reliable cell line maintenance, minimize contamination risks, and support successful research or production outcomes.

What is cell culture?

Cell culture is the process of growing cells under controlled conditions, typically outside of their natural environment, such as in a laboratory. This technique is widely used in research, biotechnology, and medicine to study cell biology, produce vaccines, or manufacture proteins. The cells can originate from plants, animals, or humans and are maintained in nutrient-rich solutions that support their growth and development. Researchers use cell culture to understand disease mechanisms, test new drugs, and develop therapies. Proper aseptic techniques and specialized equipment are essential to prevent contamination and ensure reliable results.
More about Cell Culture jobs
What cities are hiring for Cell Culture jobs? Cities with the most Cell Culture job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cell Culture jobs? The most popular types of Cell Culture jobs are:
What states have the most Cell Culture jobs? States with the most job openings for Cell Culture jobs include:
Infographic showing various Cell Culture job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,021 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Research Associate I / Cell Culture

Pioneer Data

San Diego, CA โ€ข On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Position Details:
Our client, a world-leading Pharmaceutical Company in San Diego, CA is currently looking for an Research Associate I to join their expanding team.
Job Title: Research Associate I / Cell Culture
Duration: 12 months contract, extendable up to 48 months
Location: San Diego, CA
Note:
The client has the right-to-hire you as a permanent employee at any time during or after the end of the contract.
You may participate in the company group medical insurance plan
Job Description: 
Research Associate I
 
Position Summary
The Structural Biology and Protein Sciences group is seeking a highly motivated contractor to support recombinant protein production efforts, primarily utilizing insect cell expression systems. 
The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining eukaryotic cell cultures, generating and managing high-titer baculovirus stocks, and performing multi-liter scale protein expression and harvest workflows. 
Additional responsibilities include executing plate-based expression and purification profiling to enable rapid screening of construct and condition variants. 
This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to operate efficiently in a fast-paced research environment.
 
Key Responsibilities
Maintain healthy eukaryotic cell cultures, including insect (Sf9, Sf21, High Five) and/or mammalian expression lines.
Generate, amplify, and quality-control baculovirus stocks, including centralized storage and record management.
Execute multi-liter scale recombinant protein expression experiments, including infection, culture monitoring, and cell harvest.
Perform small-scale, plate-based expression and purification profiling to assess expression levels, solubility, and purification behavior.
Maintain accurate and timely records of experimental data, cell line usage, and virus stock inventories.
Operate and maintain basic laboratory instrumentation and contribute to general lab support activities as needed.
Collaborate closely with team members to optimize expression workflows and troubleshoot technical issues.
 
Minimum Qualifications
BS degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
Minimum of 3 years of hands-on laboratory experience, including work with insect cell culture (e.g., Sf9, Sf21, Hi5) and/or mammalian cell culture systems.
Demonstrated experience in aseptic technique and routine maintenance of suspension cultures.

Highly Desirable Qualifications
Experience with the Bac-to-Bac baculovirus expression system, including donor plasmid preparation, bacmid generation, and virus amplification.
Familiarity with plate-based expression and purification approaches (e.g., 24?96 well plates and rapid IMAC and other affinity-based screens).
Experience conducting multi-liter expression campaigns and associated downstream sample handling.
Strong analytical, organizational, and documentation skills.
Ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams.