Research Associate I Jobs in Spring Valley, CA (NOW HIRING)

Location: San Diego, CA (On-site)

Employment Type: Full-Time

At BioLegacy Research, we are committed to advancing innovative preclinical research that accelerates the development of transformative therapies. Our team partners with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to deliver high-quality scientific solutions across oncology, immunology, metabolic disease, infectious disease, and toxicology research.

We foster a collaborative and science-driven environment where innovation, integrity, and operational excellence are at the center of everything we do. Our researchers are empowered to contribute meaningful scientific insights while working alongside talented professionals in a fast-growing and dynamic organization.

Joining BioLegacy Research means becoming part of a mission-focused team dedicated to scientific advancement and client success. We offer an environment where employees can expand their technical expertise, contribute to cutting-edge research, and grow professionally through hands-on experience and cross-functional collaboration.

Opportunities to work on impactful and innovative research programs

Exposure to advanced laboratory technologies and methodologies

A collaborative and supportive team environment

Professional growth and career development opportunities

A culture that values scientific rigor, safety, accountability, and continuous improvement

Under the guidance of the Senior Director of In Vitro Pharmacology, the Research Associate I will support laboratory operations and preclinical studies focused on safety, efficacy, and toxicity evaluation of client drug candidates.

This role is ideal for an early-career scientist with hands-on laboratory experience who is interested in developing expertise across histology, flow cytometry, cell-based assays, multiplex immunoassays, and biomarker analysis within a Contract Research Organization (CRO) environment.

The Research Associate I will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including In Vivo Operations and Quality Assurance, to support assay execution, sample analysis, laboratory organization, and regulatory compliance. This individual will contribute to the successful delivery of high-quality client studies while maintaining adherence to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) standards.

Assist with tissue trimming, embedding, sectioning (microtomy and cryotomy), and slide preparation from preclinical study specimens.

Perform routine histological staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC) procedures.

Support digital slide scanning, image archiving, and basic tissue evaluation activities.

Maintain sample tracking and documentation throughout study execution.

Assay Execution

Prepare biological samples including blood, tissues, and cultured cells.

Perform surface and intracellular staining procedures.

Operate flow cytometry instrumentation and assist with data analysis using FlowJo or similar software.

Execute routine cell culture and cell-based assays to evaluate drug activity, potency, cytotoxicity, and mechanism of action.

Support assay optimization and troubleshooting activities.

Perform cytokine and biomarker analysis using the Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) platform.

Prepare standards, controls, and study samples according to protocols.

Operate absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence plate readers.

Perform ELISA and other plate-based assays while ensuring data quality and accuracy.

Accurately record experimental procedures, observations, and results in laboratory notebooks and electronic systems.

Assist with data compilation, analysis, and report preparation.

Maintain complete and audit-ready study documentation in compliance with GLP requirements.

Support preparation of study summaries and client deliverables.

Execute laboratory activities in accordance with approved SOPs, study protocols, GLP requirements, and EHS standards.

Assist with laboratory organization, inventory management, and reagent preparation.

Support equipment maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting activities.

Participate in laboratory quality initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.

Work closely with scientists, study directors, and laboratory personnel to support ongoing research projects.

Assist in cross-functional activities involving In Vivo Operations, Bioanalytical Sciences, and Quality Assurance teams.

Contribute to a positive, collaborative, and client-focused laboratory environment.

Environmental Health & Safety (EHS)

Follow all EHS policies, procedures, and laboratory safety requirements.

Participate in safety training and compliance initiatives.

Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and scientific integrity.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.

1–3 years of hands-on laboratory experience in an academic, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, CRO, or research environment.

Experience with one or more of the following laboratory techniques:

Histology

Flow Cytometry

Cell Culture

Cell-Based Assays

Strong attention to detail and commitment to scientific accuracy.

Excellent organizational and time-management skills.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Previous experience in a Contract Research Organization (CRO) environment.

Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations and documentation requirements.

Experience using FlowJo, GraphPad Prism, MSD Discovery Workbench, or similar scientific software.

Experience handling biological samples from preclinical animal studies.

Experience supporting biomarker, immunology, toxicology, or pharmacology studies.

Familiarity with immunohistochemistry (IHC), multiplex immunoassays, or digital pathology workflows.

Occasional weekend, holiday, early morning, or evening work may be required to support study timelines.

Candidates must demonstrate integrity, professionalism, adaptability, and strong collaboration skills.

Ability to stand for extended periods and perform routine laboratory activities.

Ability to safely lift and transport laboratory materials weighing up to 25 pounds.

BioLegacy Research is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. We value diversity and are dedicated to creating an environment where all employees can thrive and contribute to our shared success.