Chemistry Research Associate

CS Genetics Ltd • Pleasanton, CA

21h • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a motivated and hands-on Chemistry Research Associate with 3–5 years of laboratory experience to contribute to the development of next-generation life science research tools and assay reagents. This role will focus on the preparation, modification, and characterization of reagents that combine biomolecules including antibodies, proteins, and nucleic acids with engineered particle and materials platforms.

You will work closely with a Senior Scientist and collaborate with a multidisciplinary product development team to build, test, and improve reagents used in advanced biological assays. The ideal candidate enjoys spending the majority of their time at the bench, takes pride in careful experimental work, and is excited by the opportunity to help transform new scientific ideas into robust reagents and products.

This position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to technology development in a fast-moving, collaborative environment focused on building impactful life science tools.

Requirements

• B.S. or M.S. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Materials Science, or a related scientific discipline.
• 3–5 years of relevant laboratory experience in industry or academic research.
• Experience working with biological molecules such as antibodies, proteins, or nucleic acids.
• Strong hands-on laboratory skills and experimental productivity.
• Attention to detail and commitment to generating high-quality data.
• Curiosity and enthusiasm for learning new experimental techniques.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Clear communication of experimental observations and results.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with bead-based or particle-based reagents used in biological assays is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform conjugation of antibodies, proteins, and nucleic acids to functionalized particles and other assay components.
• Execute and optimize biomolecule conjugation strategies using common chemistries such as maleimide-thiol, EDC coupling, and click chemistry.
• Prepare and purify conjugated reagents using filtration and desalting methods.
• Generate reproducible reagent batches to support assay development and internal testing.
• Assist in evaluating conjugation efficiency, conjugation yield, and reagent stability.
• Work with functionalized particles such as magnetic beads, polymer beads, latex particles, or other material platforms used in assay reagents.
• Perform biomolecule coupling to particle surfaces using common surface chemistries (e.g., carboxyl, amine, streptavidin, epoxy).
• Execute bead washing, blocking, and storage procedures to maintain reagent performance and stability.
• Evaluate surface loading, coupling efficiency, and nonspecific binding.
• Assist in troubleshooting issues such as aggregation, coupling variability, or reagent performance challenges.
• Characterize biomolecules and particle conjugates using techniques such as: UV-Vis spectroscopy Dynamic light scattering (DLS) or particle sizing Flow cytometry Fluorescence or microscopy-based imaging SDS-PAGE
• Support evaluation of reagent performance in assay-relevant formats.
• Collect, analyze, and summarize experimental data to support product development decisions.
• Execute carefully designed laboratory experiments with strong attention to detail and reproducibility.
• Maintain clear and organized experimental documentation using electronic lab notebooks.
• Present results and observations in internal team discussions.
• Support reagent qualification, performance testing, and stability studies.

Benefits

• You will join a collaborative team focused on building innovative technologies for the life sciences. This role offers the opportunity to work on challenging scientific problems, develop new experimental skills, and contribute directly to products that enable cutting-edge biological research.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level