Research Associate II, Discovery Bioscience
South San Francisco, CAResearch$70–100K/yrSeen 1w agoSeen in employer's feed 4 days ago
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At a glance
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Job overview
The Research Associate II will support Astellas’s Vector Bioscience team in developing, characterizing, and producing AAV vectors. The role works with research and development groups in the company’s South San Francisco laboratories and includes cell culture, vector production and purification, characterization, communication of results, and laboratory collaboration. The position is on-site and laboratory-based.
Skills & qualifications
Skills
Qualifications
Benefits
Full job description
Research Associate II, Discovery Bioscience
About Astellas
Astellas is a global life sciences company committed to turning innovative science into VALUE for patients. We provide transformative therapies in disease areas that include oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology and women's health. Through our research and development programs, we are pioneering new healthcare solutions for diseases with high unmet medical need. Learn more at Astellas.com.
Are you driven to make a real difference in the lives of patients?
We're seeking passionate individuals who thrive in dynamic environments, embrace new ideas, and aren't afraid to take intelligent risks. People who act with unwavering integrity and are deeply committed to making a tangible impact.
Purpose & Scope
The Research Associate will be an integral member of the Vector Bioscience team and assist in developing, characterizing, and producing AAV vectors. The Research Associate will work at our South San Francisco R&D laboratories, supporting and collaborating with various research and development groups.
Role and Responsibilities
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Perform cell culture work, including thawing, maintaining, transfecting, and cryopreserving cell lines
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Production and purification of AAV vectors for various programs
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Collaborate with other teams to acquire and characterize vectors
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Document characterization of vectors and other activities
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Communicate results and timelines to other functional groups
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Collaborate in laboratory management and safety activities
Required Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree in a life science, chemical engineering or related discipline with 3+ years of experience or a Master’s degree with 1+ years of experience in cell culture and protein purification techniques.
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Proven hands-on experience with sterile technique for handling and growing mammalian cell lines, including maintenance, cell characterization and differentiation, expansion, and banking
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Demonstrated experience with routine molecular biology techniques (cloning, DNA/RNA/protein isolation, digital PCR), plasmid preparation
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Protein expression and purification, and characterization
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Transfection and/or transformation experience with mammalian or bacterial cells.
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Experience with purification and chromatography systems such as the AKTA
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Ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented environment to meet project goals and timelines
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Strong written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
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Experience working with viruses, especially Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV)
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Industry experience
Location and Working Environment
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This position is based in South San Francisco, CA and will require on-site work.
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This is a highly collaborative and laboratory-based role with reasonably flexible working arrangements.
What awaits you at Astellas?
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Global collaboration: Become part of a connected global business of like-minded life science leaders, all dedicated to improving patients' lives worldwide.
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Real-world patient impact: Contribute to transformative therapies that reach patients around the world, knowing your work makes a difference every day.
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Relentless Innovation: Join a company at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs, where you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of healthcare.
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A Culture of Growth: Chart your own course within a supportive environment that values your contributions, champions your development, and empowers you to pursue your passions.
Our Organizational Values and Behaviors
Values: Innovation, Integrity and Impact sit at the heart of what we do.
Behaviors: We come together as ‘One Astellas’ , working with courage and a sense of urgency . We are outcome focused and consistently take accountability for our personal contribution.
Salary Range
$69,790-$99,700 (Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to skills, experience and organizational equity considerations.)
Benefits:
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Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
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Generous Paid Time Off options, including Vacation and Sick time, plus national holidays including year-end shut down
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401(k) match and annual company contribution
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Company paid life insurance
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Annual Corporate Bonus and Quarterly Sales Incentive for eligible positions
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Long Term Incentive Plan for eligible positions
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Company fleet vehicle for eligible positions
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Referral bonus program
#LI-TR1
Category GT Engineering
Astellas is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment.
EOE including Disability/Protected Veterans
How this job compares
Set against the 1,109 open Research Associate jobs on Olive Jobs, counted November 7, 2026.
- Pay
- This posting$70–100K/yr
- California median$75–98K/yr66 salary ranges
- US median$70–100K/yr382 salary ranges
This range's midpoint, $85K, is close to the California median midpoint ($86K) — in the middle half of Research Associate salary ranges in California.
- Openings
- Olive Jobs lists 119 open Research Associate jobs in California and 1,109 across the US. Under 1% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
- Hiring the most in California
- Cedars-Sinai20 open
- University of Southern California18 open
- UCLA Health7 open
- Experience
- This posting asks for at least 1 year of experience; Research Associate postings that state a minimum ask for 2 years at the median (290 postings).
- Education
- 616 of the 1,109 open Research Associate jobs (56%) ask for a bachelor's degree or higher.
Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on November 7, 2026. Pay medians are the middle values of the low ends and of the high ends of postings that list both ends of a range in the same cadence (a yearly salary or an hourly rate); a range's midpoint is halfway between its ends. Pay and experience figures resting on fewer than 20 postings are left out.
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