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Cell Line Development Associate Jobs in San Francisco, CA

Prolific Machines

Technical Project Manager

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$140 - $175/hr

Full cell line development and preclinical scale up of customer molecules integrated into our optogenetic cell lines. As part of a broad technical organization tasked with commercializing Prolific ...

Prolific Machines

Technical Project Manager

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Full cell line development and preclinical scale up of customer molecules integrated into our optogenetic cell lines. As part of a broad technical organization tasked with commercializing Prolific ...

DutchTechX

Technical Project Manager

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$140 - $175/hr

Full cell line development and preclinical scale up of customer molecules integrated into our optogenetic cell lines. As part of a broad technical organization tasked with commercializing Prolific ...

Prolific Machines

Technical Project Manager

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Full cell line development and preclinical scale up of customer molecules integrated into our optogenetic cell lines. As part of a broad technical organization tasked with commercializing Prolific ...

Alstem, Llc

Research Associate

Richmond, CA · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Job Title Research Associate ALSTEM, INC is a growing research biotechnology company located in ... Experience in stable cell line development is highly desirable. * Experience in virus packaging ...

Immunedge Inc

Head of CMC

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$277K - $416K/yr

Scope covers CMC strategy, cell line and process development, analytical development and characterization, formulation, external manufacturing and supply, and the CMC sections of regulatory ...

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All JobsCell Line Development Associate JobsCell Line Development Associate Jobs in San Francisco, CA

Cell Line Development Associate information

See San Francisco, CA salary details

$34.2K

$62.9K

$95.4K

How much do cell line development associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for cell line development associate in San Francisco, CA is $62,935.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,100.00 and $70,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cell line development associate do?

A Cell Line Development Associate is responsible for generating and characterizing cell lines used in research or biomanufacturing, particularly for producing therapeutic proteins or biologics. They perform tasks such as transfecting cells, selecting stable clones, expanding cultures, and analyzing cell growth and productivity. Their work ensures the creation of robust, high-quality cell lines that meet regulatory and production standards. This role is crucial in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and research settings.

What are some common challenges faced by cell line development associates during cell line generation projects?

Cell Line Development Associates often encounter challenges such as ensuring the stability and productivity of cloned cell lines, troubleshooting low expression levels, and minimizing contamination risks. Managing tight project timelines while maintaining rigorous documentation and quality standards can also be demanding. Additionally, adapting to evolving technology platforms and collaborating effectively with upstream and downstream teams are key aspects of the role. Overcoming these obstacles requires strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication within multidisciplinary project groups.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cell line development associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cell Line Development Associate, you need a background in cell biology, molecular biology, or related fields, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in life sciences. Familiarity with cell culture techniques, gene editing tools (like CRISPR), and laboratory information management systems (LIMS) is important. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork set exceptional candidates apart. These competencies ensure robust, high-quality cell line generation critical for research and bioproduction success.

What is the difference between Cell Line Development Associate vs Research Associate?

AspectCell Line Development AssociateResearch Associate
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in biology, biotechnology, or related field; laboratory skillsBachelor's or master's degree in a scientific discipline; laboratory experience
Work EnvironmentBiotech or pharmaceutical labs focused on cell line creation and developmentResearch labs across various scientific fields, including biology and chemistry
Employer & Industry UsageBiotech companies, pharmaceutical firms, contract research organizationsUniversities, research institutes, biotech and pharma companies

The main difference is that a Cell Line Development Associate specializes in creating and optimizing cell lines for bioproduction, while a Research Associate may work on broader research projects across multiple scientific areas. Both roles require laboratory skills and relevant degrees, but the Cell Line Development Associate focuses specifically on cell line processes within biotech and pharma industries.

What cities near San Francisco, CA are hiring for Cell Line Development Associate jobs?

Cities near San Francisco, CA with the most Cell Line Development Associate job openings:

Cell Line Development Associate jobs near you

Research Associate, Cell Line Development

Prolific Machines

Emeryville, CA • On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Prolific Machines is ushering in a new era of biotechnology with light. Our first-of-its-kind optogenetic platform delivers unprecedented control, precisely guiding cellular behavior when and where it matters most. Unlike existing tools used to control biology, our technology enables dynamic, tunable control over virtually any cellular function in any cell type. We're enabling partners to unlock robust efficiency, quality, and reproducibility advantages across the most complex pharmaceuticals and therapeutic proteins. Prolific is supported by leading investors, including Bill Gates's Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Mayfield and SOSV.
We are seeking a skilled Research Associate to join our Cell Line Development team, contributing technically and scientifically to the advancement of multiple projects while bringing innovation and new perspectives to our workflows. This role will be based on-site in Emeryville, CA and will report to a Principal Scientist of the Cell Line Development department.
Responsibilities:
  • Contribute to the maintenance of an internal cell line bank, including banking of new cell lines and ensuring the quality of cell lines for Research purposes.
  • Develop and engineer new cell lines;
  • Assessment and quantification of target antigen expression.
  • Design and perform cell-based and protein analysis assays.
  • Contribute to improvement of processes and techniques.
  • Analysis and interpretation of data and presentation to internal stakeholders.
  • Maintain a close collaboration with cross-functional project teams.
  • Maintain accurate and timely up-to-date documentation (familiarity with ELNs).
  • Update and optimize local guidelines / SOPs for the team.
  • Routine maintenance of the Tissue Culture labs.

Requirements:
For this position, we are looking for a highly motivated individual bringing along:
  • A Bachelor's degree in Biology or equivalent with 2 or more years of experience.
  • Previous experience in industry is a plus.
  • Extensive hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture techniques.
  • Careful and accurate working style, quality awareness.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams).
  • Data analytic software, such as GraphPad Prism.

Specific cell line development experience that will help you to succeed in this role will be:
  • Experience executing batch and fed-batch culture studies as part of cell line development and upstream process development activities.
  • Experience with bench-scale bioreactor set-up and operation (mammalian culture).
  • Familiarity with fully-automated instrumentation (FACS, Octet, Cell Printer, etc.) for the selection of high-producing clones used in antibody discovery and cell line development.
  • Experience with basic molecular biology techniques (PCR, ligation cloning, gel electrophoresis, etc.).

This role requires on-site/in-person presence in the Emeryville office. Occasional weekend work may be required to support operational needs. This position summary is not intended to be all inclusive. An employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
About You:
A successful candidate for this role will:
  • Have a flexible and independent working attitude.
  • Adapt successfully to changing situations and environments.
  • Have a strong eagerness to learn.
  • Have well-developed communication, teamwork, and organizational skills.
  • Be proactive and drive to optimize workflows.
This is an individual contributor role within the Research Associate track. The position is best suited for candidates who excel in hands-on execution, instrumentation, and technical operations in a laboratory setting. Growth opportunities within this role are focused on deepening technical expertise, expanding instrument proficiency, and taking on increasing operational responsibility within the Cell Line Development function.
$70,000 - $100,000 a year
This role is salaried, exempt, and paid semi-monthly. Starting salary will be dependent upon specific experience, knowledge, and skillset. The range depending on exact level will typically fall between $70k-$85k for Research Associate I or $85k-$100k for Research Associate II.
Benefits: Generous equity package in an early stage company, retirement plan with company contribution, flexible PTO with healthy time off minimums, company-covered medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, career coaching, mental health support, free team lunches everyday, great snacks, and companywide social events!
Diversity: Prolific Machines values diverse perspectives, backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where all employees can bring their authentic selves to work and have equal opportunities to succeed. Prolific Machines is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Location: The San Francisco Bay Area (Emeryville, CA)

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