Research Associate I, Sample Management

About the role

Research Associate I, Sample Management – W2 Contract, located in Redwood City, CA (onsite). Pay rate: $40 - $45 per hour.

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate I to support day-to-day laboratory operations within the Sample Management function. This role is ideal for a hands-on laboratory professional who thrives in a fast-paced research environment and takes pride in operational excellence, data integrity, and high-quality execution.

Responsibilities

• Execute core sample management activities, including sample receipt, accessioning, storage, tracking, retrieval, distribution, and disposal.
• Operate and maintain automated storage systems, LIMS, and supporting laboratory infrastructure.
• Perform routine quality control checks to ensure sample integrity, data accuracy, and system reliability.
• Accurately document all activities in LIMS and associated databases in compliance with SOPs and data integrity standards.
• Troubleshoot routine equipment or process issues and escalate complex problems as needed.
• Support implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of SOPs and best practices.
• Partner closely with cross-functional teams to ensure the timely and accurate delivery of compounds and samples.
• Assist with the onboarding of new technologies, automation platforms, and laboratory systems.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives to enhance the efficiency, scalability, and reliability of sample management workflows.
• Maintain laboratory organization, compliance, and operational readiness.

Requirements

• BS or MS in chemistry, biology, engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Strong commitment to data integrity and operational discipline.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in troubleshooting laboratory equipment or operational processes.
• Proficiency with standard laboratory software and data systems.
• Proven ability to independently execute and prioritize laboratory workflows.
• Demonstrated contributions to process optimization or workflow improvements.
• Experience supporting small-molecule drug discovery programs.
• Familiarity with automated compound/sample storage platforms.
• Exposure to laboratory automation systems.
• Experience with Cenevo's Sample Management Software Mosaic.
• Experience contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

• Sample management, sample receipt, accessioning, sample storage, sample tracking, sample retrieval, sample distribution, sample disposal
• Automated storage systems, LIMS, Cenevo Mosaic, laboratory automation, laboratory software, laboratory data systems
• Quality control, sample integrity, data integrity, data accuracy, SOP compliance, laboratory documentation
• Equipment troubleshooting, process troubleshooting, workflow prioritization, process optimization, continuous improvement
• Small-molecule drug discovery, cross-functional collaboration, technology implementation, laboratory organization, regulatory compliance
• Chemistry, biology, engineering, written and verbal communication

Pay

$40 - $45 per hour