What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Associate I - In Vitro position at BioLegacy Research?
Research Associate I, In Vitro
Location: San Diego, CA (On-site)
Employment Type: Full-Time
About BioLegacy Research
At BioLegacy Research, we are committed to advancing innovative preclinical research that accelerates the development of transformative therapies. Our team partners with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to deliver high-quality scientific solutions across oncology, immunology, metabolic disease, infectious disease, and toxicology research.
We foster a collaborative and science-driven environment where innovation, integrity, and operational excellence are at the center of everything we do. Our researchers are empowered to contribute meaningful scientific insights while working alongside talented professionals in a fast-growing and dynamic organization.
Why Join Us?
Joining BioLegacy Research means becoming part of a mission-focused team dedicated to scientific advancement and client success. We offer an environment where employees can expand their technical expertise, contribute to cutting-edge research, and grow professionally through hands-on experience and cross-functional collaboration.
What You Can Expect
Opportunities to work on impactful and innovative research programs
Exposure to advanced laboratory technologies and methodologies
A collaborative and supportive team environment
Professional growth and career development opportunities
A culture that values scientific rigor, safety, accountability, and continuous improvement
About The Role
Under the guidance of the Senior Director of In Vitro Pharmacology, the Research Associate I will support laboratory operations and preclinical studies focused on safety, efficacy, and toxicity evaluation of client drug candidates.
This role is ideal for an early-career scientist with hands-on laboratory experience who is interested in developing expertise across histology, flow cytometry, cell-based assays, multiplex immunoassays, and biomarker analysis within a Contract Research Organization (CRO) environment.
The Research Associate I will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including In Vivo Operations and Quality Assurance, to support assay execution, sample analysis, laboratory organization, and regulatory compliance. This individual will contribute to the successful delivery of high-quality client studies while maintaining adherence to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) standards.
Key ResponsibilitiesHistology and Tissue Processing
Assist with tissue trimming, embedding, sectioning (microtomy and cryotomy), and slide preparation from preclinical study specimens.
Perform routine histological staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC) procedures.
Support digital slide scanning, image archiving, and basic tissue evaluation activities.
Maintain sample tracking and documentation throughout study execution.
Assay Execution
Flow Cytometry
Prepare biological samples including blood, tissues, and cultured cells.
Perform surface and intracellular staining procedures.
Operate flow cytometry instrumentation and assist with data analysis using FlowJo or similar software.
Cell-Based Assays
Execute routine cell culture and cell-based assays to evaluate drug activity, potency, cytotoxicity, and mechanism of action.
Support assay optimization and troubleshooting activities.
Multiplex Immunoassays
Perform cytokine and biomarker analysis using the Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) platform.
Prepare standards, controls, and study samples according to protocols.
Microplate Reader Assays
Operate absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence plate readers.
Perform ELISA and other plate-based assays while ensuring data quality and accuracy.
Data Analysis and Documentation
Accurately record experimental procedures, observations, and results in laboratory notebooks and electronic systems.
Assist with data compilation, analysis, and report preparation.
Maintain complete and audit-ready study documentation in compliance with GLP requirements.
Support preparation of study summaries and client deliverables.
Laboratory Operations and Compliance
Execute laboratory activities in accordance with approved SOPs, study protocols, GLP requirements, and EHS standards.
Assist with laboratory organization, inventory management, and reagent preparation.
Support equipment maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting activities.
Participate in laboratory quality initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.
Collaboration and Team Support
Work closely with scientists, study directors, and laboratory personnel to support ongoing research projects.
Assist in cross-functional activities involving In Vivo Operations, Bioanalytical Sciences, and Quality Assurance teams.
Contribute to a positive, collaborative, and client-focused laboratory environment.
Environmental Health & Safety (EHS)
Follow all EHS policies, procedures, and laboratory safety requirements.
Participate in safety training and compliance initiatives.
Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and scientific integrity.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Biology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
1–3 years of hands-on laboratory experience in an academic, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, CRO, or research environment.
Experience with one or more of the following laboratory techniques:
Histology
Flow Cytometry
Cell Culture
Cell-Based Assays
ELISAMSD Platform
Strong attention to detail and commitment to scientific accuracy.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Preferred Qualifications
Previous experience in a Contract Research Organization (CRO) environment.
Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations and documentation requirements.
Experience using FlowJo, GraphPad Prism, MSD Discovery Workbench, or similar scientific software.
Experience handling biological samples from preclinical animal studies.
Experience supporting biomarker, immunology, toxicology, or pharmacology studies.
Familiarity with immunohistochemistry (IHC), multiplex immunoassays, or digital pathology workflows.
Additional Information
Occasional weekend, holiday, early morning, or evening work may be required to support study timelines.
Candidates must demonstrate integrity, professionalism, adaptability, and strong collaboration skills.
Ability to stand for extended periods and perform routine laboratory activities.
Ability to safely lift and transport laboratory materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
Equal Opportunity Employer
BioLegacy Research is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. We value diversity and are dedicated to creating an environment where all employees can thrive and contribute to our shared success.
Location: San Diego, CA (On-site)
Employment Type: Full-Time
About BioLegacy Research
At BioLegacy Research, we are committed to advancing innovative preclinical research that accelerates the development of transformative therapies. Our team partners with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to deliver high-quality scientific solutions across oncology, immunology, metabolic disease, infectious disease, and toxicology research.
We foster a collaborative and science-driven environment where innovation, integrity, and operational excellence are at the center of everything we do. Our researchers are empowered to contribute meaningful scientific insights while working alongside talented professionals in a fast-growing and dynamic organization.
Why Join Us?
Joining BioLegacy Research means becoming part of a mission-focused team dedicated to scientific advancement and client success. We offer an environment where employees can expand their technical expertise, contribute to cutting-edge research, and grow professionally through hands-on experience and cross-functional collaboration.
What You Can Expect
Opportunities to work on impactful and innovative research programs
Exposure to advanced laboratory technologies and methodologies
A collaborative and supportive team environment
Professional growth and career development opportunities
A culture that values scientific rigor, safety, accountability, and continuous improvement
About The Role
Under the guidance of the Senior Director of In Vitro Pharmacology, the Research Associate I will support laboratory operations and preclinical studies focused on safety, efficacy, and toxicity evaluation of client drug candidates.
This role is ideal for an early-career scientist with hands-on laboratory experience who is interested in developing expertise across histology, flow cytometry, cell-based assays, multiplex immunoassays, and biomarker analysis within a Contract Research Organization (CRO) environment.
The Research Associate I will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including In Vivo Operations and Quality Assurance, to support assay execution, sample analysis, laboratory organization, and regulatory compliance. This individual will contribute to the successful delivery of high-quality client studies while maintaining adherence to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) standards.
Key ResponsibilitiesHistology and Tissue Processing
Assist with tissue trimming, embedding, sectioning (microtomy and cryotomy), and slide preparation from preclinical study specimens.
Perform routine histological staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC) procedures.
Support digital slide scanning, image archiving, and basic tissue evaluation activities.
Maintain sample tracking and documentation throughout study execution.
Assay Execution
Flow Cytometry
Prepare biological samples including blood, tissues, and cultured cells.
Perform surface and intracellular staining procedures.
Operate flow cytometry instrumentation and assist with data analysis using FlowJo or similar software.
Cell-Based Assays
Execute routine cell culture and cell-based assays to evaluate drug activity, potency, cytotoxicity, and mechanism of action.
Support assay optimization and troubleshooting activities.
Multiplex Immunoassays
Perform cytokine and biomarker analysis using the Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) platform.
Prepare standards, controls, and study samples according to protocols.
Microplate Reader Assays
Operate absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence plate readers.
Perform ELISA and other plate-based assays while ensuring data quality and accuracy.
Data Analysis and Documentation
Accurately record experimental procedures, observations, and results in laboratory notebooks and electronic systems.
Assist with data compilation, analysis, and report preparation.
Maintain complete and audit-ready study documentation in compliance with GLP requirements.
Support preparation of study summaries and client deliverables.
Laboratory Operations and Compliance
Execute laboratory activities in accordance with approved SOPs, study protocols, GLP requirements, and EHS standards.
Assist with laboratory organization, inventory management, and reagent preparation.
Support equipment maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting activities.
Participate in laboratory quality initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.
Collaboration and Team Support
Work closely with scientists, study directors, and laboratory personnel to support ongoing research projects.
Assist in cross-functional activities involving In Vivo Operations, Bioanalytical Sciences, and Quality Assurance teams.
Contribute to a positive, collaborative, and client-focused laboratory environment.
Environmental Health & Safety (EHS)
Follow all EHS policies, procedures, and laboratory safety requirements.
Participate in safety training and compliance initiatives.
Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and scientific integrity.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Biology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
1–3 years of hands-on laboratory experience in an academic, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, CRO, or research environment.
Experience with one or more of the following laboratory techniques:
Histology
Flow Cytometry
Cell Culture
Cell-Based Assays
ELISAMSD Platform
Strong attention to detail and commitment to scientific accuracy.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Preferred Qualifications
Previous experience in a Contract Research Organization (CRO) environment.
Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations and documentation requirements.
Experience using FlowJo, GraphPad Prism, MSD Discovery Workbench, or similar scientific software.
Experience handling biological samples from preclinical animal studies.
Experience supporting biomarker, immunology, toxicology, or pharmacology studies.
Familiarity with immunohistochemistry (IHC), multiplex immunoassays, or digital pathology workflows.
Additional Information
Occasional weekend, holiday, early morning, or evening work may be required to support study timelines.
Candidates must demonstrate integrity, professionalism, adaptability, and strong collaboration skills.
Ability to stand for extended periods and perform routine laboratory activities.
Ability to safely lift and transport laboratory materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
Equal Opportunity Employer
BioLegacy Research is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. We value diversity and are dedicated to creating an environment where all employees can thrive and contribute to our shared success.