Research Associate (RA) II/III, Biology (Contract)
Prolific Machines
About this role
This Research Associate II / Senior Research Associate role at Prolific Machines focuses on supporting mammalian cell culture-based protein production using the company’s light-controlled expression platform. The position centers on developing and maintaining engineered mammalian cell lines and running production workflows to generate therapeutic proteins. The hire will work in a highly collaborative, cross-functional startup environment and receive mentorship and opportunities for technical growth. The role is a 6+ month onsite contract in Emeryville, CA, with potential for extension or conversion to full-time.
Skills
Qualifications
About Prolific Machines
prolific-machines.comProlific Machines develops a Photomolecular™ cell line development platform that uses optogenetics and AI-driven bioprocess optimization to make difficult protein production simpler and more scalable. By using light to precisely control transcription, secretion pathways, and post‑translational modification genes, the platform can boost titers (up to ~5× reported) and enable expression of hard-to-produce biotherapeutics while improving product quality and consistency. Their solutions are designed for flexibility across development and manufacturing contexts and include collaboration and technical support to integrate into customers’ workflows.
Recent company news
Prolific Machines Announces the Completion of Optogenetic Bioproduction at 200L, Marking the World’s Largest Demonstration of Optogenetics to Date
Apr 17, 2025
Prolific Machines Appoints Former Catalent Chief Scientific Officer to Board of Directors
May 15, 2025
Optogenetics startup Prolific Machines raises $55m series B
Jun 6, 2024
Prolific Machines Selected to Join FDA's Emerging Technology Program, Advancing the Company’s Novel Biomanufacturing Platform
May 21, 2025
Using Light to Make Novel Proteins, Prolific Machines Raises $55M
Jun 6, 2024
About Prolific Machines
Headquarters
San Francisco, CA
Company Size
201-500 employees
Founded
2018
Industry
Technology
Glassdoor Rating
4.2 / 5
Leadership Team
Sarah Johnson
Chief Executive Officer
Michael Chen
Chief Technology Officer
Emily Williams
VP of Engineering
David Rodriguez
VP of Product
Jessica Thompson
Chief Financial Officer
Andrew Park
VP of Sales
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and employee contacts for Prolific Machines.
Salary
$77k – $105k
per year