Research Associate, Biobanking

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain rigorous, real-time chain-of-custody records for all samples, derivatives, and associated donor metadata in LIMS/ELN systems, ensuring the link between specimen and donor is never broken.
• Receive, log, and process human biological samples (e.g., whole blood, buffy coats, lymphoid tissues) following established biosafety and ethical guidelines.
• Isolate primary immune cells and other relevant cell types using density gradient centrifugation, magnetic separation, and related methods.
• Perform routine tissue and cell culture, including plating, media changes, and monitoring of culture quality.
• Execute and optimize cryopreservation and thawing protocols to maintain cell viability and function.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Biology, Immunology, Cell Biology, Biotechnology, or a related discipline.
• At least 1 year of hands-on experience with human primary cell or tissue processing in an academic or industry lab.
• Strong aseptic technique and routine experience with mammalian cell/tissue culture.
• Familiarity with basic immunological or cell-based assays (e.g., viability staining, flow cytometry, ELISA) is preferred.
• Experience using LIMS and/or ELN systems for structured sample and data tracking.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing a large and evolving biological inventory.
• Ability to work independently at the bench while communicating clearly with colleagues and clinical partners.
• Willingness to work onsite daily in San Francisco, with occasional weekend or off-hours work to process time-sensitive clinical samples.