Overview:
Business Title: Molecular Biologist II
Position Title: Analyst II
Division: Consumer Products Services
Entity: ATL
Location: South San Francisco, CA
Reports to: Manager
FLSA: Non-exempt
Hours Worked: Typically, Monday through Friday, forty-hours per week. However, must be flexible to meet the needs of the department and complete other projects as assigned.
Position Summary:
The Molecular Biologist II will provide molecular biology and cell culture support for an ion channel drug discovery group focused on pain research. This individual will generate DNA constructs for wild-type and mutant ion channels, support cell line development for electrophysiology and biochemical assays, and contribute to the development of fluorescence-based pharmacology assays. The role requires solid hands-on skills in standard molecular biology and mammalian cell culture, strong attention to detail, and a good work ethic.
Duties and Responsibilities:
It is everyone's responsibility to live out our Values and Absolutes by Shaping a World of Trust while ensuring responsible progress.
- Design and generate DNA constructs encoding wild-type and mutant ion channels, including site-directed mutagenesis, to support structure-function studies and binding site mapping.
- Perform standard molecular cloning techniques, including PCR, restriction digestion, ligation, and plasmid preparation.
- Verify constructs via restriction digest, gel electrophoresis, and sequence analysis; troubleshoot cloning issues independently.
- Culture and maintain mammalian cell lines; perform transient and stable transfections for ion channel expression.
- Generate and characterize stable cell lines for use in electrophysiology, binding, and fluorescence-based assays.
- Support development and optimization of fluorescence-based assays (e.g., FLIPR, dye-based ion flux assays) for ion channel pharmacology.
- Perform DNA/RNA expression analysis (e.g., qPCR, gel-based methods) to confirm construct expression and cell line fidelity.
- Maintain accurate electronic laboratory notebook (eLN) records and clear documentation of protocols and results.
- Collaborate closely with electrophysiologists and pharmacologists to align construct and cell line design with experimental needs.
- Accurately report and record test data in electronic notebook or handwritten notebooks as needed in a timely manner
- Prepare a variety of equipment for testing using prescribed standards / specifications
- Maintain supplies, lab cleanliness and analytical instrumentation, as required.
- Prepare stock solutions, and keeping shelves and reagent stocked.
- Maintain up to date knowledge of current methods and products to be tested.
- Follow the guidelines set forth with clients and in the Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services, Inc Quality, Health, Safety, Security and Environmental policies and procedures.
- Comply with clients and Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services, Inc management systems in accordance with appropriate regulatory agencies.
- Adhere to the requirements of the BV-CPS Quality System.
- Other duties as defined by Manager, department needs and workload.
- Skills & Proficiencies:
- Solid hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, including transient and stable transfection.
- Proficiency in standard molecular biology techniques: cloning, PCR, restriction digestion, gel electrophoresis, and plasmid preparation.
- Experience with site-directed mutagenesis and DNA sequence analysis is a plus.
- Familiarity with fluorescence-based assay formats (e.g., FLIPR, dye-based assays) is a plus.
- Written and verbal communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively in a group setting, with colleagues and clients
- Organizational and time management skills
- Ability to perform multiple tasks
- Ability to organize and prioritize workload to meet or exceed deadlines
- Individual and Team work ethic
- Proficiency with Windows, Word & Excel
- Attention to detail
- Positive attitude, self-motivated, high level of engagement
- Champions company values including team engagement
- Ability to present both facts and recommendations effectively
- Technical problem solving and process improvement skills
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or closely related field
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience with relevant laboratory experience with molecular biology and mammalian cell culture techniques.
- Experience in ion channel biology, electrophysiology support, or neuroscience/pain research is a plus but not required.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted in lieu of above.
Compensation Range: $34.00-$40.00 per hour (e.g., the job posting is not necessarily reflective of actual compensation that may be earned, and actual compensation is subject to variation due to such factors as location, education, experience, and skillset).