Research Associate in Camarillo, California at PBS Biotech

Location: Camarillo, California

At PBS Biotech, we're not simply building bioreactors—we're advancing technologies that have the potential to improve and save lives.

As a growing biotechnology company at the forefront of cell and gene therapy, we develop innovative single-use bioreactor systems that help researchers and manufacturers bring next-generation therapies to patients faster. Our technologies support groundbreaking work in immune cell therapy, stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and advanced bioprocess development.

PBS Biotech, Inc. is a private company based in Camarillo, CA, that manufactures and sells revolutionary single-use bioreactors that are ideal for scale-up of cell and gene therapy manufacturing. With a fully equipped in-house R&D laboratory, we also provide world-class contract services for manufacturing process development with leading expertise in various cell and gene therapy product types.

We are seeking a full-time, highly motivated Research Associate to join our growing bioprocess R&D team. This position is an invaluable opportunity to gain experience working with cutting-edge technology and a variety of cell types that are significant to the rapidly emerging cell and gene therapy market.

If you're passionate about science and excited by the opportunity to contribute to technologies shaping the future of medicine, we'd love to meet you.

What You'll Do

As a Research Associate, you'll play an important role in our Bioprocess R&D team by helping develop and optimize manufacturing processes for advanced cell therapies.

Administrative:

• Support lab management and maintain clean and organized lab and office spaces. This includes washing and sterilizing glassware and disposal of biohazard waste in accordance with standard laboratory procedures.
• Support materials management including purchasing, verifying receipts, restocking, and maintaining logs of lab material inventory.
• Assist in equipment management.

• Perform daily laboratory activities and aid in experiments as required.
• Participate in research efforts for various cell culture processes based on client needs.
• Perform experiments for bioprocess development, optimization, and characterization.
• Assist in preparing scientific data and compose peer-reviewed scientific publications, white papers, abstracts, and presentations, including those for domestic and international conferences and trade shows.
• Support root-cause analysis for unexpected results and provide new approaches or experimental strategies for problem solving.
• Characterize process and quality attributes of cells during process development, either independently or collaboratively with a customer’s analytical team or an external service provider.
• Support internal product improvement efforts by providing biological performance data using PBS products.
• Collaborate with other departments for cross-functional projects.

Experience needed

• Master’s in Chemical Engineering, Life Sciences or Biotechnology, or Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering, Life Sciences or Biotechnology with 2+ years of relevant cell culture lab experience
• Ability to shift gears quickly and to be flexible with task assignments based on business needs
• Time management and ability to operate with sense of urgency to meet deadlines
• Strong grasp of Microsoft Excel or other spreadsheet tools
• Positive attitude and team spirit
• Hands-on experience with pluripotent stem cell, T cell, NK cell or mesenchymal stromal cell process development
• Knowledge of cell characterization methodology such as cell counting, metabolic analysis, etc.
• Excellent organizational skills to assist in developing detailed experimental plans
• Strong oral and written communication skills including generation of accurate and timely progress reports
• Excellent collaboration skills to execute large-scale bioreactor runs in coordination with other operators
• Proximity to Ventura County and flexible schedule to allow for weekend work on experiments as needed

Physical Demands:

This role is primarily performed in a laboratory setting and requires prolonged standing, repetitive use of hands for laboratory procedures, and occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds. Employees will safely handle chemicals, biological materials, and laboratory equipment while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and following established safety protocols.

The ability to see, hear, speak, and write clearly is required to effectively communicate with colleagues, customers, and vendors. The position also requires manual dexterity to operate laboratory and manufacturing equipment, reach for and handle small objects, and perform precise technical tasks.

Why PBS Biotech?

Joining PBS means becoming part of a team where your ideas matter.

Here you'll find:

✔ Work on cutting-edge cell and gene therapy technologies

✔ Collaborate with experienced scientists, engineers, and industry experts

✔ Gain exposure to a wide variety of cell culture platforms and bioprocess development projects

✔ Opportunities to publish scientific work and present at conferences

✔ A collaborative culture where innovation, curiosity, and continuous learning are encouraged

✔ The opportunity to grow your career alongside a rapidly expanding biotechnology company

At PBS Biotech, our success is built on the people behind our technology.

We value:

• Innovation and scientific excellence
• Collaboration across disciplines
• Integrity in everything we do
• Curiosity and continuous improvement
• A shared commitment to improving patient outcomes