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Weekend Bench Scientist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Retro

Scientist, Hematopoiesis (iPSCs)

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

... backgrounds (bench and computational biologist, quality control scientists, operational and ... Be part of a rotational weekend work schedule. You might thrive in this role if you: * Have a ...

Orion Group

Associate Scientist I

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$36 - $40/hr

... weekend requirements to maintain active cell lines) Orion Project Services and our largest US ... Prepare bench top bioreactors and supporting equipment for sterile operation * Maintain ...

Retro

Scientist, Hematopoiesis (iPSCs)

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... backgrounds (bench and computational biologist, quality control scientists, operational and ... Be part of a rotational weekend work schedule. You might thrive in this role if you: * Have a ...

Retro

Scientist, Hematopoiesis (iPSCs)

Redwood City, CA

$130K - $170K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... backgrounds (bench and computational biologist, quality control scientists, operational and ... Be part of a rotational weekend work schedule. You might thrive in this role if you: * Have a ...

PBS Biotech

Bioprocess Development Engineer

Camarillo, CA · On-site

$83K - $114K/yr

This is a highly collaborative, science-driven role where you'll contribute both at the bench and ... Proximity to Ventura County and flexible schedule to allow for weekend work on experiments as ...

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Weekend Bench Scientist information

What is a weekend bench scientist?

Weekend Bench Scientists are laboratory professionals who conduct scientific experiments, analyses, or tests during weekend shifts. They may work in various fields such as biology, chemistry, or medical research, ensuring that laboratory operations continue outside of standard weekday hours. Their responsibilities often include preparing samples, running assays, recording data, and maintaining lab equipment. This role is essential for labs that require continuous research progress or support clinical operations seven days a week.

What are the typical responsibilities and expectations for a weekend bench scientist?

As a Weekend Bench Scientist, you'll be responsible for conducting laboratory experiments, processing samples, and maintaining detailed records, often during off-peak hours. You may work independently or as part of a small weekend team, ensuring that critical projects and experiments continue progressing outside the standard weekday schedule. Collaboration with weekday staff is essential, as you'll often communicate findings and ensure continuity in ongoing research. This role requires strong time management and the ability to troubleshoot experiments with limited immediate supervision.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a weekend bench scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Weekend Bench Scientist, you need a solid background in laboratory sciences, experience with standard lab techniques, and at least a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field. Familiarity with lab information management systems (LIMS), PCR, spectrophotometry, and adherence to safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and effective communication help you excel when working independently or with rotating teams. These competencies ensure accurate data, efficient troubleshooting, and reliable results during critical weekend operations.

What is the difference between Weekend Bench Scientist vs Weekend Lab Technician?

AspectWeekend Bench ScientistWeekend Lab Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in life sciences or related field; laboratory experienceAssociate's degree or certification; some lab experience
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, biotech firmsClinical labs, research facilities, manufacturing plants
Employer & Industry UsageBiotech, pharmaceutical, academic researchHealthcare, clinical diagnostics, manufacturing
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for laboratory roles requiring research skillsCompared for technical support roles in labs

The Weekend Bench Scientist typically holds a bachelor's degree and engages in research or experimental work in biotech or pharma labs. The Weekend Lab Technician usually has an associate's degree or certification, focusing on technical support and routine lab tasks. Both roles are essential in laboratory settings but differ mainly in responsibilities and qualifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Bench Scientist jobs in California?

The most popular types of Bench Scientist jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Weekend Bench Scientist jobs?

Cities in California with the most Weekend Bench Scientist job openings:

Weekend Bench Scientist jobs near you

Scientist, Hematopoiesis (iPSCs)

Retro

Redwood City, CA • On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Retro develops therapies for diseases driven by the biology of aging. We focus on cellular reprogramming and autophagy to broadly improve tissue function by targeting mechanisms of aging with the ultimate aim of adding 10 years to healthy human lifespan.

We’re building a mission-driven team of accomplished and kind individuals who embrace our startup culture of rapid iteration, transparency, and versatility.

We are hiring a new member of the HSC Therapeutics team who will bring deep expertise in hematopoiesis. In this role, you will focus on process optimization and development to help us create scalable differentiation protocols. 


About you:You’re eager to learn and approach work with a “can-do” attitude and a hands-on nature. You take pride in working at the highest standard, continuously optimizing research practices for both high speed and accuracy. You value being organized and detail-oriented. Bringing a clear, transparent communication style, you collaborate effectively with specialists of various backgrounds (bench and computational biologist, quality control scientists, operational and logistic specialists). You are adaptable and able to iterate quickly and reprioritize based on a mission > team > self hierarchy. You’re motivated to work on the forefront of science and help us extend healthy lifespan!
In this role you will:

  • Adapt differentiation protocol to large-scale production in bioreactors and optimize banking of final product for clinical use.

  • Optimize differentiation process for reproducible and predictable cell output.

  • Contribute to the full process of producing a high-quality iHSC product out of iPSCs: maintain iPSCs, prepare and change media throughout differentiation, analyze cells using flow cytometry, and formulate iHSCs.

  • Transfer differentiation and formulation protocols to the GMP environment.

  • Assist in processing mouse tissues and performing flow cytometry to characterize cell function.

  • Work collaboratively across Retro teams such as Technical In-Vivo, Computational Biology, Automation, and Quality and Analytics.

  • Be part of a rotational weekend work schedule. 

You might thrive in this role if you:

  • Have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biology or a relevant field and 4+ or 6+ years of relevant experience in industry, respectively, or a Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or related discipline. 

  • Learn quickly and establish and follow protocols precisely. 

  • Your deepest expertise is in hematopoiesis. 

  • Have 2+ years of experience in differentiating iPSCs into immune cells.

  • Enjoy standardizing lab practices and establishing highly reproducible protocols.

  • Have 2+ years of experience with cell characterization using flow cytometry.

  • Have excellent note-taking skills and take pride in maintaining detailed ELN. 

  • Proficient in designing and coordinating projects across multiple parties. 

  • Proficient in communicating results of experiments.

It’s a bonus if you:

  • Had exposure to the GMP environment and participated in IND filings.

  • Have experience with process development and scaling cell therapies in bioreactors.

At Retro, we don’t use titles. New hires join as a “Member of X Team.” Depending on experience, this role could flex from what might be traditionally regarded as an Associate Scientist to a Scientist level. 

Total compensation also includes generous equity and benefits including:

- Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family
- 401(k) plan with 4% matching
- Flexible time off and 10 company holidays per year
- Paid parental leave
- Annual learning & development stipend
- Monthly Longevity stipend 
- Daily Retro-sponsored lunch and snacks

We take pride in cultivating an environment that fosters collaboration, open communication, and authenticity. We believe that great results are best delivered by a highly creative team working in concert. We are an equal opportunity employer; we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We are diverse in background and singular in mission.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.