Research Associate I, Konermann Lab

About Arc Institute

The Arc Institute is a new scientific institution conducting curiosity-driven basic science and technology development to understand and treat complex human diseases. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, Arc is an independent research organization founded on the belief that many important research programs will be enabled by new institutional models. Arc operates in partnership with Stanford University, UCSF, and UC Berkeley.

While the prevailing university research model has yielded many tremendous successes, we believe in the importance of institutional experimentation as a way to make progress. These include:

• Funding: Arc fully funds Core Investigators’ (PIs’) research groups, liberating scientists from the typical constraints of project-based external grants.
• Technology: Biomedical research has become increasingly dependent on complex tooling. Arc Technology Centers develop, optimize, and deploy rapidly advancing experimental and computational technologies in collaboration with Core Investigators. 
• Support: Arc aims to provide first-class support—operationally, financially, and scientifically—that will enable scientists to pursue long-term high risk, high reward research that can meaningfully advance progress in disease cures, including neurodegeneration, cancer, and immune dysfunction.
• Culture: We believe that culture matters enormously in science and that excellence is difficult to sustain. We aim to create a culture that is focused on scientific curiosity, a deep commitment to truth, broad ambition, and selfless collaboration.

Arc has scaled to nearly 300 people to date. With $650M in committed funding and a state of the art new lab facility in Palo Alto, Arc will continue to grow quickly in the coming years.

About the position

We are seeking a Research Associate I to join the Konermann Laboratory at the Arc Institute. In this position, you will provide essential laboratory support while gaining comprehensive training in lab operations, management, and scientific best practices. You will work closely with our lab manager to support daily operations, maintain high standards of safety and organization, and assist with ongoing research activities. This position is ideal for someone seeking hands-on experience in laboratory operations while contributing to cutting-edge scientific research.

About you

• You are naturally proactive with a strong work ethic. You don't wait to be told what needs to be done—you anticipate needs, take initiative, and take pride in maintaining organized, efficient lab spaces. You understand that excellent research depends on meticulous attention to detail and consistent execution.
• You have a natural affinity for process improvement and optimization. You're constantly thinking about how things can be done better, faster, or more efficiently. You enjoy analyzing workflows, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing solutions that benefit the entire team.
• You are collaborative and reliable. You thrive in team environments, take initiative to support others, and can be counted on to follow through on commitments while maintaining excellent communication about priorities and challenges.
• You are motivated by growth and continuous learning. You see this role as an opportunity to develop both technical and operational skills, and you're committed to contributing to lab efficiency and excellence.

In this position you will

• Support lab stock management including reagent and supply inventory, ordering and receiving, and preparation of common solutions, with increasing independence as you develop familiarity with lab operations
• Help maintain lab organization and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and safety
• Perform mammalian and stem cell culture, including cell maintenance, passaging, transfection, virus preparation, differentiation protocols, and co-culture systems, beginning with close guidance and progressing to autonomous execution
• Contribute to molecular biology and genomics workflows, including plasmid construction, PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA/RNA isolation, and sequencing preparation
• Write and update standard operating procedures for lab protocols and processes as you gain expertise

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or related field
• 1-2 years of laboratory experience (academic or industry setting)
• Familiarity with standard molecular biology techniques (such as cloning, PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, and DNA/RNA isolation) and mammalian cell culture; hands-on experience preferred but not required.
• Proficiency with basic computer skills, including data entry, spreadsheets, and document preparation.
• Effective organizational, communication, and collaborative skills

The hourly rate for this position is $29.00. This amount does not include benefits or other forms of compensation.