Research Associate III (NGS Automation)

Job Title: Research Associate III (NGS Automation)Reports to: Senior Staff Engineer, Platform IntegrationFLSA Class: ExemptLearn more about our company and how we support you:Takara Bio USA (TBUSA) empowers life science discovery. We bring innovation and inspiration to every scientist - promoting discoveries that improve health and the environment. We hold values that all employees and prospective candidates should demonstrate: Innovation, Teamwork, Integrity, Respect, Growth, Diversity and Quality. We value helping employees develop their skills and you will be part of this journey!At Takara Bio, we know that every experimental decision has an impact. Choices matter, from design to data analysis. We create best-in-class products that get the job done. In your hands, what do those research reagents and kits create? Something powerful: knowledge, understanding, and-often-hope! Together we can improve the human condition through biotechnology...and That's Good Science!How this role drives the company forward:The Research Associate III is responsible for assisting and working with research staff in the design, execution, and analysis of experiments aimed at developing new tools and reagents for life science. The Research Associate III independently plans and conducts relevant, complex experiments and tasks under guidance of senior scientific staff to meet specific research requirements and deadlines.The Research Associate III role is lab-based.Approximately 2% travel, including overnight, may be required.How you will make an impact:We are looking for a Research Associate III with strong technical and interpersonal skills to join our talented R&D team in developing innovative NGS automation platforms. In this role, you will develop novel NGS assays, work with a variety of automated liquid handlers, and perform sequencing and primary data analysis to drive technology assessment, troubleshooting, and optimization. You will independently plan, execute, and analyze rigorous experiments to meet project goals, produce clear and detailed experimental reports, and clearly communicate findings and results to the project team and stakeholders. You will also collaborate with cross-functional partners-including engineering, quality, and operations-throughout the full product development life cycle. This is an exciting opportunity to deepen your scientific expertise while developing cutting-edge technologies in a fast-evolving field.The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in genomics and molecular biology, extensive hands-on expertise in NGS library preparation (bulk and single-cell), and substantial experience working with automated liquid handling platforms.What will you do: Independently plans and conducts complex experiments under guidance of senior scientific staff. Selects, creates and /or modifies procedures and techniques to meet specific research requirements, with minimal guidance from supervisors. Conduct experiments through product development launch cycle from feasibility test through transfer to manufacturing. Utilizes literature reviews, protocols, SOPs and prior laboratory experience to assist with experimental design, assay development, and workflow optimization. Accurately records procedures, materials used and results obtained, enabling others to understand and reproduce results. Performs and refines complex NGS workflows, including DNA-seq, RNA-seq, and other library preparation methods, along with sequencing and downstream data analysis. Operates and optimizes single-cell and automated liquid handling platforms, using data analysis to support troubleshooting and generate actionable insights. Maintains cell lines and manages primary cell samples to support diverse product development needs. Presents and discusses experimental results with R&D members in group setting. Prepares technical reports, summarizing experiments done, results obtained, and proposals for next steps. Independently prepares technical documents, including work instructions and user manuals. May provide technical training to laboratory personnel and others within the company. May act as a resource for Technical Support on matters related to their product development Shares responsibility for general laboratory maintenance and housekeeping, including organization and purchasing of laboratory reagents and maintaining laboratory stocks. This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.How will you get here? BA, BS or MS degree in relevant scientific discipline. Minimum of 5 - 8 years related experience. Strong hands-on expertise in molecular biology and NGS techniques including library preparation (bulk and single-cell), sequencing, qPCR, cell and nuclei handling. Demonstrated expertise in operating and optimizing automated liquid handlers for NGS library preparation. Familiarity with command line interface, data graph generation, and basic statistical analysis and tools (e.g. R, Python, excel). Demonstrated ability to design and conduct complex experiments with an excellent understanding of relevant controls and a track record of consistent, reliable execution. Able to provide accurate, clear, concise and well-documented laboratory records and experiment reports. Proven ability to propose solutions and next-step experiments. Demonstrated capability to effectively manage time, prioritize tasks, adapt to shifting demands, and meet deadlines. Broad experience with all aspects of the product development cycle.You are amazing if you have: Experience with fresh-frozen or FFPE tissue preparation and handling (e.g. cryostat, microtome, nuclei dissociation). Experience with cell imaging and FACS.AAP/EEO Statement:Takara Bio USA, Inc. does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors.Additional Information about the role:Please note this job description may not cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. The US base salary range for this full-time position, expected to be located in San Jose, CA, is $110,000 - $120,000 USD. We may consider other candidates for this position with more experience and would expect the salary range to change accordingly. This range may be modified at any time at our sole discretion. This base salary does not include additional bonus compensation and benefits. Learn more about benefits at Individual compensation packages are based on factors unique to each candidate, including job-related skills, training, experience, qualifications, work location, and market conditions.

Created: 2026-04-15