Research Assistant, Applications Lab

$55k to $83k

Menlo Park, California, United StatesFull-timePosted Nov 2, 2026

Against the Menlo Park typical range

Job description

Research Assistant, Applications Lab OPPORTUNITY Pac. Bio is advancing highly accurate long-read sequencing to enable new discoveries and applications in genomics research and genetic testing. Our Applications Lab plays an important role in demonstrating the capabilities of Pac. Bio technology, supporting customer projects, and developing new sequencing workflows.

We are seeking a Research Assistant to support laboratory operations, including DNA and RNA library preparation, sequencing on the Pac. Bio Hi. Fi systems, and troubleshooting experiments.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a Research Assistant in Pac. Bio's Applications Lab, you will support sequencing projects for internal teams and external customers. You will operate and monitor sequencing systems and help ensure reliable execution of laboratory workflows. You will work closely with scientists and other laboratory staff to troubleshoot experiments, maintain accurate records, and deliver high-quality sequencing results.

This is a hands-on laboratory role requiring attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and an interest in genomics technologies.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Load, operate, and monitor Pac. Bio sequencing systems. Track run performance, identify issues, and support reliable completion of sequencing experiments. Library preparation: Prepare DNA and RNA sequencing libraries, including whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and RNA workflows, following established protocols and quality control procedures.

Troubleshooting: Identify and investigate issues with library preparation and sequencing runs. Work with laboratory scientists and technical teams to determine causes and implement corrective actions. Laboratory operations: Maintain accurate experimental records, organize samples and reagents, and support routine laboratory equipment maintenance and inventory management.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, or a related life sciences field, or equivalent laboratory experience. Hands-on laboratory experience with molecular biology techniques, including DNA or RNA sample preparation. Ability to follow detailed laboratory protocols, maintain accurate records, and consistently deliver high-quality results.

Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple experiments and priorities. Good analytical and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to recognize experimental issues and work collaboratively to resolve them. Strong communication and teamwork skills. Preferred Experience Experience with next-generation sequencing, including sequencing library preparation or instrument operation.

Familiarity with DNA and RNA quality control methods and laboratory automation. Experience working in a genomics core facility, sequencing service laboratory, or other high-throughput laboratory environment. Candidates must have current authorization to work in the United States without the need for present or future sponsorship.

Non-Field Based Employees are required to be onsite Monday-Thursday (Friday work from home). Depending on the role, some employees may be required to be 100% onsite. You may be required from time to time to visit and work at Pac. Bio locations and for such times as the Company considers necessary for the proper performance of your duties.

All listed tasks and responsibilities are deemed as essential functions to this position; however, business conditions may require reasonable accommodations for additional tasks and responsibilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability, gender identity, and sexual orientation.

#LI-Onsite Salary Range: $55,300.00 - $82,900.00 To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Pac. Bio. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited.

Pac. Bio does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Pac. Bio employees or any other company location. Pac. Bio is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability, gender identity, and sexual orientation.

If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact us at 650-521-8000, or careers@pacificbiosciences.

com for assistance. Visit our following pages for more information on: FAQs Benefits Culture Equal Opportunity Employment Beware of Recruitment Fraud Please be aware of employment scams where people or entities misuse Pac. Bio’s name, or the names of Pac. Bio employees, to post fake job advertisements or make fake job offers.

Pac. Bio will never extend a job offer without a personal interview and will never charge any money for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Careers page of our official website. If you see a job posting that is not on the Pac. Bio official website, or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond and do not send money or provide any personal information.

IT IS LIKELY A SCAM OR FAKE JOB AD IF: The job offer requires you to pay something (for example, to purchase equipment). You receive a job offer that you didn’t apply for, or without a personal interview or interaction. The interview seems to involve AI video or audio. You found a job on a job board or third-party channel, but the job doesn’t exist on the official Pac.

Bio careers page You suspect it is a scam. HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF: Never give personal and confidential information. Never pay for anything as part of interviewing for, or accepting, an offer of employment. Ignore it if it seems like a scam.

Description copied from PACIFIC BIOSCIENCES OF CALIFORNIA's careers page. Read the full posting before you apply.

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