Research Associate
Location: Foster City, California
Country: United States
Category: Clinical Development and Operations
Workplace Location: Onsite
Employment Type: Contract
Posted Date: August 21, 2026
Job ID: 651205
Job Description
Research Associate
Pay: $37-$39.86 per hour
Duration: 6 months
Location: Foster City, CA
Key Responsibilities
- Perform routine instrument calibration, quality control, preventative maintenance, and troubleshooting of flow cytometry equipment.
- Coordinate with field service engineers and vendors to resolve instrument issues and maintain system performance.
- Conduct daily, weekly, and monthly instrument cleaning and QC procedures.
- Support laboratory operations through inventory management, reagent ordering, stocking, and general laboratory upkeep.
- Assist with instrument scheduling, appointment coordination, and user support activities.
- Maintain accurate records of maintenance, quality control, and laboratory procedures.
- Communicate effectively with scientists, laboratory staff, vendors, and cross-functional collaborators.
- Adhere to laboratory safety requirements, standard operating procedures, and quality standards.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Biology, Immunology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong computer skills and proficiency with Windows-based systems.
- Ability to learn new software, hardware, and laboratory technologies quickly.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in a team environment.
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Preferred
- Experience working in an industry laboratory, research environment, or flow cytometry core facility.
- Familiarity with flow cytometry instrumentation and laboratory operations.
- Basic knowledge of cell biology, immunology, and cell-based assays.
- Experience troubleshooting scientific instrumentation and applying established protocols to resolve technical issues.
What We're Looking For
- We are seeking a highly collaborative and motivated individual who is eager to learn, adaptable in a fast-paced environment, and committed to providing excellent support to researchers. The ideal candidate will be resourceful, customer-focused, and passionate about maintaining a laboratory that enables high-quality scientific research.
- Join us and contribute to a core facility that supports innovative research across multiple therapeutic areas while building valuable expertise in flow cytometry and laboratory operations.
EEO Statement
The staffing industry has seen an increase in people falsely representing themselves as recruiters to gather personal information from job seekers. For your safety, do not provide sensitive data to anyone you have not spoken with thoroughly, never provide banking information during the application process, and always double check the email address of the Recruiter to ensure it’s from an official Planet domain (@theplanetgroup.com or @launchcg.com) - and not a domain with an alternative extension like .net, .org, or .jobs.
The Planet Group and our companies are equal opportunity employers. It is our practice not to discriminate against any employee or applicant based on any criteria, condition or basis protected by laws or regulations in the locations where we do business. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. We celebrate diversity and are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion enable us to better meet our mission and values while serving our clients across the globe. If you have a disability or handicap and would like us to accommodate you in any reasonable way, please inform your recruiter, or contact us, so that we can discuss the appropriate alternatives available.
Apply Now
Apply Via
Stay Up To Date With The Latest Jobs.
Similar Jobs
About The Planet Group
The Planet Group is a global professional services firm delivering strategic staffing and advisory solutions. We operate at the intersection of talent and transformation – connecting the right people with the right opportunities in the areas of technology, engineering, accounting & finance, digital marketing, and manufacturing.
As one of the largest staffing companies in the US, we operate with a global reach and a performance-first mindset. We partner with clients to move fast, stay agile, and drive measurable results – building high-impact teams that fuel transformation and growth.