Location:

(HTA) SDO (La Jolla, CA)

Job ID:

R0092015

Date Posted:

2025-05-15

Company Name:

HITACHI HIGH-TECH AMERICA, INC.

Profession (Job Category):

Engineering & Science

Job Schedule: 

Full time

Remote:

No

Job Description:

HITACHI HIGH-TECH AMERICA, INC.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE:                        Research Associate, R&D

DIV/DEPT NAME:       Molecular Research & Diagnostics (MRD)

REPORTS TO:                              Senior Director, R&D

POSITION STATUS:                    Full-Time

WORK LOCATION:                      San Diego, CA - HTA San Diego Office

WORK STYLE DESIGNATION:  Onsite         

WORK STYLE REQUIREMENT:  Onsite

FLSA STATUS (E or N):               Exempt

TRAVEL REQUIRED:                     Up to 20%

POSITIONS SUPERVISED:           None

EXPECTED PAY RANGE: $87,499-$120,311 Annually

The pay ranges listed above are for each position’s base pay only.  This position may be eligible for other compensation including incentive pay and/or allowances.  Candidates will receive additional information during the interview and selection process.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is responsible for supporting the daily operations of laboratory experiments at Hitachi High-Tech America’s Laboratory in La Jolla, California. The primary responsibilities include generating Electronic Genome Mapping (EGM) data by performing High Molecular Weight (HMW) DNA extraction from various sample types, labeling HMW DNA, and operating the Nabsys OhmX Analyzer and related works. The role also involves evaluating and optimizing laboratory workflows by analyzing EGM data to ensure accuracy and efficiency. Furthermore, the Research Associate will assist in the development and execution of bioinformatics data analysis supporting laboratory operations and EGM data interpretation.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Major Responsibilities/Activities (List in order of importance the essential functions of the job and the approximate percentage of time spent on each of the activities; describe what must be accomplished, not how it must be done; include supervision or management responsibilities, quality and quantity standards, and % Time (as applicable.)

• Perform HMW DNA extraction from various sample types, label HMW DNA and operate the Nabsys OhmX Analyzer to generate high-quality EGM data and interpret experimental results and ensure data integrity (50%).

• Analyze and review EGM data to identify areas for improvement in laboratory processes and develop and implement optimized protocols to enhance efficiency and accuracy. (20%).

• Support EGM data quality assessment and workflow development through bioinformatics analysis, under the supervision of senior bioinformatics personnel. (20%)

• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards, manage and organize instruments, samples and consumables inventory, documentation and support procurement of laboratory materials. (10%)

EDUCATION, LICENSES, AND/OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• A master’s degree or equivalent experience in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Computational Biology or another relevant field

• Associates degree required or Bachelors and above preferred with 1-3 years’ experience in Biology related field

EXPERIENCE AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Minimal experience in handling DNA and hands-on molecular assay.

• Experience in troubleshooting experiments and performing data analysis.

• Experience with bioinformatics tools or programming in Python preferred.

• The frequency of business trips may increase up to 10% on working days.

• The destinations of business trips include Japan and North America.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to closely follow instruction and standard operating procedure (SOP).

• Ability to value teamwork and communicate smoothly with employees, customers, and other individuals.

• Ability to use Windows OS and Microsoft 365.

• Ability to use a laptop, monitor, keyboard and mouse with or without the use of assistive devices.

• Ability to use telephone, smartp