Research Associate / Scientist Assay Development & Surface Chemistry

Research Associate / Scientist - Assay Development & Surface Chemistry Hayward, CA Job Details Part-time | Contract $35 - $65 an hour 1 day ago Benefits Flexible schedule Qualifications Research design Molecular Biology Biochemistry Laboratory safety Immunoassays Master's degree in chemistry Chemical Engineering Startup experience Master's degree in molecular biology Technical documentation Immunological laboratory techniques Bioengineering Master's degree in Biochemistry Biomedical Engineering Mid-level Assay development 3 years Molecular biology techniques Master's degree Doctor of Philosophy Master of Science Experimental design Chemistry Root cause analysis Master's degree in chemical engineering Research & development Communication skills Doctoral degree in biochemistry Molecular biology Chemical engineering Excel data analysis Full Job Description Twenty Seven Labs (27L) is seeking a highly independent and hands-on Research Associate / Scientist to support assay development programs across multiple client and internal projects. This role is ideal for someone who can move fluidly between projects, work with limited oversight, and contribute across immunoassay development, magnetic bead workflows, surface chemistry, and conjugation-based assay systems. The ideal candidate has strong experience with ELISA and related immunoassays, surface functionalization, bioconjugation, and magnetic bead-based assay development, and is comfortable troubleshooting experimental issues in a fast-paced R D environment. This is an on-site lab role in Hayward, CA, with an emphasis on rapid execution, clear documentation, and thoughtful experimental problem-solving. Responsibilities Independently design, execute, and optimize experiments across multiple assay development projects Develop, run, and troubleshoot immunoassays, including ELISA-based workflows Support surface chemistry workflows, including surface functionalization, blocking, immobilization, and assay integration Perform and optimize bioconjugation workflows involving antibodies, proteins, oligonucleotides, particles, or related reagents Develop and troubleshoot magnetic bead-based assays, including bead functionalization, capture/detection workflows, wash optimization, and signal improvement Prepare assay reagents, buffers, blockers, standards, controls, and intermediate stocks Analyze assay performance, including sensitivity, specificity, background, reproducibility, dynamic range, and non-specific binding Generate concise experimental summaries with data, observations, troubleshooting notes, and recommended next steps Maintain clear, organized, and reproducible lab documentation Contribute across different projects as priorities shift, with the ability to quickly understand new technical contexts Work safely and effectively in a BSL-1/2 laboratory environment Qualifications (Required) MS or PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, or a related field 3+ years of relevant hands-on laboratory experience in assay development, applied research, or product development Strong experience with immunoassays, especially ELISA development and optimization Experience with surface chemistry, including immobilization strategies, blockers, and assay surface preparation Experience with conjugation workflows, such as antibody, protein, oligo, or particle conjugation Experience with magnetic bead-based assay development, including bead coupling and workflow optimization Ability to independently plan and execute experiments with minimal supervision Strong troubleshooting mindset and ability to identify root causes of assay variability or failure Strong documentation and communication skills Must be able to work onsite in Hayward, CA Must have valid U.S. work authorization No visa sponsorship is available for this role Preferred Experience Experience working across multiple assay formats or technology platforms in parallel Familiarity with assay transfer from plate-based workflows to sensor-based or point-of-care formats Experience with oligonucleotide-based assays, hybridization systems, or probe/reporter conjugates Experience with biosensors, electrochemical assays, or optical readout systems Experience with assay development involving low-abundance targets or complex biological matrices Familiarity with data analysis using Excel PCR and DNA array experience is a plus Prior experience in a startup, consulting, or fast-moving R D environment Candidate Profile We are looking for someone who: Is highly independent and can make steady progress without close day-to-day oversight Can switch between projects and adapt quickly as priorities evolve Is comfortable with both bench execution and interpreting data to guide next steps Enjoys troubleshooting and improving imperfect early-stage assays Can balance speed, rigor, and documentation in a client-facing R D setting Compensation Hourly rate: $35-$65/hour, depending on experience Expected commitment of approximately 20-40 hrs/week, depending on project needs Initial contract term of 2 months, with potential for extension

Pay:

$35.00 - $65.00 per hour

Benefits:

Flexible schedule

Education:

Master's (Required) Ability to

Commute:

Hayward, CA 94545 (Required)

Work Location:

In person