Research Associate II, Structural & Cellular Biology (Proteomics & CryoET)

The Team

The Biohub is an independent nonprofit research institute embedded within a network of world-class universities, bringing together exceptional engineers, data scientists, and biomedical researchers to investigate the fundamental mechanisms underlying disease. This role sits at the interface of two closely connected efforts within our Dynamic Structural Biology group, which maps the molecular architecture of living cells — charting how protein complexes assemble, where they localize, and how their organization shifts across cell states and in response to perturbation.  We develop and operate advanced imaging workflows to resolve the structure of signaling organelles such as primary cilia and lysosomes. Together we develop and deploy cutting-edge cryo-electron tomography, proteomics, and correlative imaging approaches in mammalian cell line models to connect molecular interactomes to cellular architecture, function, and disease.

The Opportunity

Biohub is seeking a skilled and motivated Research Associate II to support our structural and cellular biology programs across proteomics and cryo-electron tomography. This is a hands-on bench role at the intersection of stem cell and mammalian cell biology, genome engineering, proteomics technology development, and advanced cryo-electron microscopy. You will maintain and engineer cell lines, design and optimize sample-preparation workflows for both mass spectrometry and cryoET, and help implement proximity labeling, crosslinking, correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM), and FIB-SEM lamella preparation to map protein interaction networks and cellular architecture. 

This position is well suited for candidates who enjoy hands-on experimental work, thrive in collaborative and fast-paced research environments, and are excited to contribute to biological discovery through the development and operation of advanced proteomics and imaging workflows. You will work closely with other scientists of diverse backgrounds in a fast-moving, collaborative environment where your contributions directly shape the team's scientific output.

What You'll Do

• Maintain, seed, and harvest human iPSC and mammalian cell lines for downstream proteomics and imaging workflows.
• Engineer and validate cell lines for proteomics assays  (CRISPR endogenous tagging, lentiviral overexpression) .
• Prepare samples for proximity labeling (e.g., TurboID) and immunoprecipitation plus crosslinking mass spec.
• Prepare cell samples for cryoET and  correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) experiments including transfections and fluorescence labeling.
• Prepare vitrified samples using cryogenic freezing methods such as plunge freezing and high pressure freezing.  
• Perform cryo FIB milling on vitrified cellular samples using FIB-SEM instruments.
• Assist with cryoET data collection, tomogram reconstruction, and visualization.
• Work with team members to improve the throughput, reliability, and scalability of proteomics and imaging assays.
• Maintain rigorous documentation of protocols, experimental conditions, results, sample tracking, and reagent inventory.
• Contribute to publications and present findings internally and at scientific conferences.

What You'll Bring

Essentials

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• 2 years of experience in an RA I position, or 4 years of relevant, post-graduate research experience.
• Experience maintaining mammalian and/or human pluripotent stem cell lines, with strong sterile technique and familiarity with culture best practices and quality control.
• Experience with light or fluorescence microscopy.
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail across complex, multi-step experimental workflows.
• A dynamic, adaptable, and self-motivated approach, with strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team.
• Enthusiasm for learning new techniques and contributing to cutting-edge, cross-disciplinary research.

Nice to have

• Experience with immunoprecipitations, western blotting, and proteomics sample-preparation workflows.
• Hands-on experience with proximity labeling approaches (TurboID, BioID, APEX).
• Hands-on experience with CRISPR-based genome editing, including sgRNA and donor design.
• Experience with cryogenic sample preparation, electron microscopy workflows, and/or operating or supporting FIB-SEM instrumentation.
• Exposure to cryo-electron tomography and protein structure prediction.
• Experience with coding (Python, R, etc.) for analysis of omics datasets, or with basic image/data processing and annotation workflows.

Compensation

The Redwood City, CA base pay range for a new hire in this role is $83,000.00 - $103,000.00. New hires are typically hired into the lower portion of the range, enabling employee growth in the range over time. Actual placement in range is based on job-related skills and experience, as evaluated throughout the interview process. 

This position may be eligible to participate in our discretionary annual performance bonus program. Bonus eligibility and targets are determined in accordance with our total rewards philosophy and may vary by role.

Benefits for the Whole You 

We’re thankful to have an incredible team behind our work. To honor their commitment, we offer a wide range of benefits to support the people who make all we do possible. 

• Provides a generous employer match on employee 401(k) contributions to support planning for the future.
• Paid time off to volunteer at an organization of your choice. 
• Funding for select family-forming benefits. 
• Relocation support for employees who need assistance moving

If you’re interested in a role but your previous experience doesn’t perfectly align with each qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply as you may be the perfect fit for this or another role.

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