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Lab Research Associate Jobs in Pacifica, CA (NOW HIRING)

Medra

Research Associate - Protein

San Francisco, CA · On-site

About the Role We are looking for a highly hands-on Research Associate to join our team and support ... Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records in electronic lab notebooks (ELN), and ...

NewLimit

Senior/Research Associate

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Position NewLimit is seeking an Senior/Research Associate with experience in discovery biology to ... Exceptional organizational skills, as demonstrated by detailed record-keeping in a lab notebook and ...

Natera

Research Associate 2

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$74K - $93K/yr

Join Natera's R&D Scientific Operations as a Research Associate 2 on the Sample Processing team ... Maintain precise records of lab work in LIMS, Google Sheets, Excel, and internal databases

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Lab Research Associate information

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How much do lab research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab research associate in Pacifica, CA is $25.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.66 and $28.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a lab research associate do?

A Lab Research Associate supports scientific research by conducting experiments, analyzing data, and maintaining laboratory equipment. They often assist senior researchers in designing studies, collecting samples, and performing routine tests. Their role is crucial in ensuring that experiments are conducted accurately and efficiently, following safety protocols and documentation standards. Lab Research Associates work in various settings, including universities, hospitals, and private research facilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lab research associate?

To thrive as a Lab Research Associate, you need a solid background in biology, chemistry, or a related field, usually with a bachelor's or master's degree and experience in laboratory techniques. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and protocols like PCR or chromatography is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills that set top performers apart. These capabilities ensure accurate results, maintain safety standards, and contribute to successful research outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by lab research associates when managing multiple experiments simultaneously?

Lab Research Associates often juggle several experiments at once, which can be challenging due to the need for precise timing, meticulous record-keeping, and coordination with other team members. Unexpected issues, such as equipment malfunctions or reagent shortages, may require quick troubleshooting and adaptability. Effective communication and organizational skills are essential to ensure that data is accurately collected and experiments are completed within deadlines. Collaborating closely with principal investigators and fellow researchers also helps in prioritizing tasks and sharing resources efficiently.

What is a lab research associate in a lab?

A lab research associate is a professional responsible for conducting experiments, collecting data, and analyzing results in a laboratory setting. They often work under the supervision of senior scientists and use tools like microscopes, lab equipment, and data analysis software to support research projects.

What qualifications do you need to be a lab research associate?

A lab research associate typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or related sciences. Laboratory skills, familiarity with research protocols, and attention to detail are important, and some positions may require experience with specific tools or techniques. Certifications or training in safety procedures can also be beneficial.

What cities near Pacifica, CA are hiring for Lab Research Associate jobs?

Cities near Pacifica, CA with the most Lab Research Associate job openings:

Lab Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Research Associate job openings in Pacifica, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 43% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,612 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Research Associate - Protein

Medra

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

What We're Building
At Medra, our mission is to use AI, robotics, and biology to accelerate life science research, with the ultimate goal of eradicating disease. We have been quietly building the foundational layers of our Physical AI Scientist platform:
Physical AI that can operate scientific instruments with human-level dexterity. Scientific AI that can analyze results, reason about next steps, and close the loop autonomously.
This is an incredibly ambitious mission, but we believe that a team of ambitious people with high ownership can accomplish incredible things.
About the Role
We are looking for a highly hands-on Research Associate to join our team and support protein science and cell biology workflows on the Medra Physical AI platform. This is a role for someone who loves being at the bench - someone who has spent years honing their craft in a fast-paced industry lab and takes pride in rigorous, reproducible science.
You will work closely with scientists and roboticists to execute, validate, and optimize protein characterization workflows and cell-based assays as part of our autonomous lab platform. You thrive when given a specific task to own end-to-end, and you bring the experience and intuition to operate independently.
Key Responsibilities
  • Execute protein expression experiments across multiple host systems (e.g., mammalian, E. coli, cell-free) at various scales, from small-scale screens to larger production runs
  • Run protein characterization assays, including SPR, BLI, DSF/DSC, and various developability assays.
  • Perform cell-based binding and functional assays to evaluate candidates against cell-surface targets and assess functional activity.
  • Own day-to-day operation and organization of the cell culture facility, including routine passaging using sterile technique, inventory management, and equipment maintenance.
  • Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records in electronic lab notebooks (ELN), and contribute to SOP development
  • Collaborate with scientists and cross-functional team members to ensure smooth handoffs and timely execution across the protein screening and characterization workflow.

What You Bring to the Team
  • B.S. or B.A., or MS in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline
  • 2-4 years (M.S.) or 4-6 (B.S./B.A. )years of hands-on, industry lab experience in protein science - we value deep bench experience over advanced degrees
  • Demonstrated expertise in protein expression using mammalian cell lines (e.g., Expi293, ExpiCHO) and/or microbial systems
  • Strong hands-on experience with high-throughput protein quality control and biophysical characterization.
  • Experience maintaining mammalian cell lines and performing cell-based assays in an industry setting, including flow cytometry.
  • Strong documentation habits, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently on defined tasks
  • A scrappy, can-do attitude - you figure things out and get things done

Bonus Points For
  • Familiarity with developability assessment assays (HIC, AC-SINS, PSR, or similar)
  • Familiarity with analytical characterization techniques such as HPLC-SEC, HPLC-HIC, or FACS-based binding assays
  • Familiarity with imaging-based cell assays (e.g., high-content imaging, fluorescence microscopy)
  • Experience with cell-free protein expression or specialized enzyme workflows
  • Comfort working with lab automation or robotics platforms

This position is 100% in-person; you must be able to come on-site to our San Francisco office. We offer relocation benefits for applicants who need to relocate.
What We Offer
  • An opportunity to change the way that scientific research happens
  • Fast-paced, creative, and collaborative work environment
  • Significant equity ownership
  • 401k
  • Medical and dental insurance
  • Unlimited PTO
  • Weekday dinners

Apply