Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

Build, optimize, and troubleshoot molecular assays
Perform hands‑on molecular biology techniques including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR ‑based methods (qPCR, ddPCR) , and related workflows
Contribute to assay development, verification, and validation studies , following established experimental plans and protocols
Apply prior experience with multiplexed genomic technologies (e.g., microarrays or multiplex PCR) to support assay design and data interpretation
Generate, analyze, and summarize experimental results, including analysis of large and complex datasets
Utilize data analysis and visualization tools; experience with JMP is a strong plus
Maintain accurate, detailed laboratory records, experimental documentation, and data summaries
Collaborate cross‑functionally with R&D scientists, bioinformatics, and engineering teams to interpret results and support project goals
Contribute to continuous improvement of laboratory workflows, methods, and best practices

Requirements

To be successful in this role, you have:

Scientific & Technical Skills

Hands‑on experience with molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, arrays, PCR, qPCR, and/or ddPCR
Exposure to assay development or optimization in an academic, industry, or translational research setting
Comfort working with large datasets and drawing conclusions from experimental data
Familiarity with data analysis tools; JMP experience is a plus
Ability to follow established protocols while applying scientific judgment to resolve routine experimental challenges

Collaboration & Communication

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to clearly document experimental work and communicate results
A collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively in cross‑disciplinary teams

Education & Experience:

Research Associate

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field
0–2 years of relevant academic, industry, or translational research experience
Executes standard experiments with guidance and follows established protocols

Research Associate II

Bachelor’s degree with 2–5 years of relevant experience, or Master’s degree with 1–3 years of relevant experience
Demonstrated ability to independently execute standard assays and contribute to assay or method development

_Note:_ _This position will require regular__onsite participation at our office/lab in San Diego, CA_ _- to apply you should be resident in the greater San Diego County area. We are not able to consider relocation at this time._

_The compensation range presented spans__Research Associate_ _to__RAII. The range for this position is $70,000 to $90,000._
_Compensation decisions are dependent on several factors including, but not limited to, level of the position, skills, knowledge and experience, internal equity, and alignment with comparable market data._

About Pleno

Pleno is a multidisciplinary team of scientists and technologists focused on collaboration and asking questions. We strive to find the best, and most meaningful answers for biochemistry and engineering problems in our mission to build a novel multi-omic instrument platform that will revolutionize biological target detection for a wide array of meaningful applications.

We value our Pleno people and each person's wellbeing is important to us, so in addition to offering industry competitive compensation, we also offer the following:

Equity - everyone at Pleno has a stake in our success
Generous company-sponsored contribution to health, dental and vision coverage
Company contributions to life insurance, short term and long-term disability
Flexible Paid Time Off - plus 11 paid holidays including a winter break company-wide close
Parental Leave - we value our families and include generous parental leave and wage replacement
Free catered onsite meals twice weekly
Fitness and wellness facilities
Regular opportunities to spend social time together like happy hours & team building events - we stop to celebrate our wins

_We are hiring for positions__onsite at our office/lab in San Diego, CA_ _– all positions are__full time employment_ _. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, or on the basis of disability, gender identity, and sexual orientation. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form._

Pleno

Open Positions at Pleno

Research Associate