Merge Labs
Research Associate - Automation & High Throughput Screening
$95K–$120K
San Francisco Bay Area · On-site · Full-time · Posted Oct 27, 2026
- Education
- BS, BA, or MS in Biology, Biochemistry, Neuroscience, Bioengineering, or a related field.
About the job
Develop, automate, improve, and transfer plate-based assays and high-throughput screening workflows across bench science and laboratory automation.
What you'll do
- Develop and optimize plate-based molecular- and cell-biology assays; translate validated assays into automated workflows and establish SOPs, train users, and transfer methods.
- Prepare samples and reagents, execute experiments, operate and troubleshoot instruments, and improve assay performance and reproducibility.
- Perform initial quality control on experimental data and maintain laboratory records, sample metadata, inventory, and a safe, organized lab.
What they ask for
- Strong hands-on experience in assay development and high-throughput screening, including designing, optimizing, and validating plate-based assays at scale.
- Depth in at least one area: AAV production and analytics; cell biology; or molecular biology.
- Experience with laboratory automation and systematic troubleshooting and workflow improvement.
- Strong written documentation and communication skills, and ability to collaborate across scientific and engineering disciplines.
Nice to have
- Experience culturing primary or iPSC-derived neurons and conducting plate-based neuronal assays.
- Hands-on experience with Hamilton, Tecan, Opentrons or other liquid handlers; familiarity with scripting, data-analysis languages, LIMS, ELNs, sample-tracking systems, or automated data pipelines.
Pay
$95K – $120K USD base salary
Tools
Hamilton, Tecan, Opentrons, Python, R, LIMS, ELNs
Model-written summary · the original posting is authoritative