Research Associate - Protein (Contract)

Job Summary:   Zymo Research is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join Protein Group, a multidisciplinary research team focused on protein engineering, enzyme discovery, and assay development.   The successful candidate will work on the development of cutting-edge enzyme-based products. Key responsibilities will include expressing, purifying, and assaying enzyme variants. As a Research Associate, you will also assist in the optimization of enzyme-based kit protocols and workflows. This role offers the opportunity to directly translate your research from the benchtop to consumer products.   Join us in making a meaningful impact! Essential Duties and Responsibilities * Design and conduct scientific experiments for product development, performance troubleshooting, and protocol optimization. * Analyze and interpret data to obtain insights into project progress. * Provide recommendations to the team leader on the next steps of the assigned projects. * Keep current with literature pertaining to the project and apply relevant findings to ongoing research projects. * Work closely with internal subject matter experts, product managers, application, marketing, and manufacturing on technical details and optimization. * Present research findings internally and externally through reports, publications, and scientific conferences. * Contribute to intellectual property generation and platform development.   Education and Experience:   * Bachelor’s degree or higher in molecular biology, biology, biochemistry, genetics, life sciences, or related field. * Experience performing enzyme-based molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology techniques, including PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning, nucleic acid purification, etc. * Experience with microbial cell culture techniques, including media preparation, inoculation, culturing conditions, and harvesting. * Experience with recombinant protein expression and purification. * A proven track record of designing, executing, analyzing, documenting, and troubleshooting laboratory experiments. * Demonstrates well-developed written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills. * Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary research environment. Preferred Experience:   * Experience with next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies and NGS library preparation About Us:   Since its inception in 1994, Zymo Research has been proudly serving the scientific community by providing innovative, reliable, and high-quality research tools and products. Whether it's DNA, RNA, epigenetics, microbiomics, protein, or yeast-based research, our philosophy remains the same: To provide the highest quality products in the industry while ensuring they are both simple to use and reliable in their performance.   Recognized as a Top Workplace by the Orange County Register in 2021, 2022, and named a Top Workplace USA in 2023, Zymo Research continues to be a vibrant community where employees thrive, feel connected, and are inspired by their work. If you are passionate about contributing to scientific advancement and want to be part of an exceptional team in a dynamic, growing company, we'd love to hear from you!   Compensation, Benefits, and Perks:                                  The estimated base compensation range for this position is $64,480 - $70,304 a year at the time of posting. Actual compensation details will be provided in writing at the time of offer, if applicable, and is based on several factors we believe fairly and accurately impact compensation, including geographic location, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other job permitted factors.   Zymo Research also offers competitive benefits and perks including: * Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Coverages * EAP Sessions * Vacation Time plus Company Holidays * Paid Sick Leave * Generous 401(K) with matching  * Employee Referral Bonus * Complimentary fruit, snacks, and beverages * Complimentary catered lunches on Thursdays  * Complimentary EV Charging  * Cell phone stipend Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: Zymo Research welcomes candidates of all backgrounds. These include sex, age, color, race, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical & mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other protected status as defined by federal, state, or local law.   Location: Onsite – Zymo Research Operations- 2961 Dow Ave, Tustin, CA, 92780   Disclaimer: At Zymo, we take the integrity of our hiring process seriously. Please be aware of fraudulent recruitment activities that may use our name to deceive job seekers. We will never ask for payment, sensitive personal information, or financial details during the recruitment process. All legitimate communications will come from an official Zymo or TriNet Hiring email address. If you are contacted by anyone claiming to represent us using a free email service (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or asking for payment, please treat this as fraudulent and report it immediately to careers@zymoresearch.com [careers@zymoresearch.com]