Research Associate

Bring more to life.

Are you ready to accelerate your potential and make a real difference within life sciences, diagnostics and biotechnology?

At Molecular Devices, one of Danaher’s 15+ operating companies, our work saves lives—and we’re all united by a shared commitment to innovate for tangible impact. 

You’ll thrive in a culture of belonging where you and your unique viewpoint matter. And by harnessing Danaher’s system of continuous improvement, you help turn ideas into impact – innovating at the speed of life.

Join Molecular Devices and help drive scientific discovery for life science customers in academia, biotech, pharma, and government. Our automated and AI-enabled technology empowers researchers to tackle complex questions and gain deep insights, accelerating the development of safer, more effective therapeutics. As part of our team—rooted in collaboration, authenticity, and innovation—you’ll ultimately contribute to groundbreaking science that enhances lives globally and shapes a healthier future for all.

Learn about the Danaher Business System which makes everything possible.

The Research Associate will support activities across multiple lines of business, with a primary focus on cell culture systems and cellular automation workflows. Key responsibilities include maintenance of the Cell Culture Core, support of cell-based assay development, and the implementation and optimization of automated cell culture processes. The role involves close collaboration with R&D and Product Management to deliver validation and application support using biological systems and samples.

This position reports to the Sr. Manager of Assay Development  and is part of the Products Innovation and Strategy Team supporting Scientific Applications.  The role is located in San Jose, CA and will be an on-site role.  

In this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Maintain and scale cell culture capabilities that support multiple lines of business, ensuring consistent and efficient laboratory operations
• Deliver high-quality biological samples and collaborate with R&D and Product Management to support cell-based assay development and application workflows
• Design and optimize automated cell culture processes to enable reproducible, scalable workflows across cellular, imaging, and assay-driven applications

The essential requirements of the job include:

• A BS/BSc in Biology, Biotechnology, or a related discipline
• Practical experience in mammalian cell culture, ideally gained through a placement year or industry setting
• Experience supporting or contributing to cell-based assays
• Awareness or hands-on exposure to cell culture automation or automated laboratory workflows
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a cross-functional team

Travel, Motor Vehicle Record & Physical/Environment Requirements:

• Occasional travel may be required to support project needs, including visits to other Molecular Devices sites, customer or collaborator locations, and attendance at scientific meetings or conferences. 
• No routine driving or company vehicle use is expected as this role is primarily laboratory‑ and desk‑based.
• Ability to work for extended periods in a laboratory environment, including:
  • Standing for prolonged periods
  • Manual handling of laboratory equipment and consumables
• Must be able to work safely in accordance with health, safety, and biosafety procedures at all times.
• Use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is required.

It would be a plus if you also possess previous experience in:

• Previous experience in a biotechnology or life sciences environment, gained through industry placement or internships
• Familiarity with Molecular Devices instruments or comparable cell culture, imaging, or assay platforms

Molecular Devices, a Danaher operating company, offers a broad array of comprehensive, competitive benefit programs that add value to our lives. Whether it’s a health care program or paid time off, our programs contribute to life beyond the job. Check out our benefits at Danaher Benefits Info.

The annual salary range OR the hourly range for this role is $80,500 - $100,000. This is the range that we in good faith believe is the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. This range may be modified in the future.

This job is also eligible for bonus/incentive pay.

We offer comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

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Join our winning team today. Together, we’ll accelerate the real-life impact of tomorrow’s science and technology. We partner with customers across the globe to help them solve their most complex challenges, architecting solutions that bring the power of science to life.

For more information, visit www.danaher.com.

Danaher Corporation and all Danaher Companies are committed to equal opportunity regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other characteristics protected by law.

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We comply with federal and state disability laws and make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact:1-202-419-7762 or applyassistance@danaher.com.