Research Associate 2 (Temp)

ABOUT TRUVIAN
Want to join a fast-paced, innovative company that is transforming the future of blood testing? Truvian is a healthcare technology company operating at the intersection of diagnostics and consumer technology. We have developed an automated benchtop diagnostic platform that delivers laboratory-quality results in minutes across a broad range of health tests.

Our proprietary, FDA-cleared technology is designed to make blood testing more accessible, convenient, and affordable by providing comprehensive results from a single small blood sample in minutes throughout a broad range of locations. We are continuing to advance our technology’s capabilities  to further redefine point-of-care testing and bring high-quality healthcare closer to where patients need it most.

To us, our work at Truvian is more than a job – It’s a mission.  We are a culture dedicated to discovery and empowerment. We are trailblazers on the path to put health information where it belongs - in the hands of the individual. We are partners in the belief that talented people, working as a team, can make every day an adventure. Come join us as we realize our vision to make routine health testing convenient, affordable, and actionable for today’s connected consumers!

JOB SUMMARY
Truvian is seeking a detail-oriented Research Associate to support optimization, verification and validation activities on Truvian’s automated diagnostic platform.   This position is onsite and temporary, approximately 3 to 6 months.   This role will work both independently and as a member in a team under the supervision of senior team members to execute studies following established protocols, document experimental details, analyze data and summarize results.
This role supports cross-functional across various R&D functions including assay development, engineering, manufacturing, clinical development, quality and regulatory. The Research Associate will follow GLP and established SOPs and maintain compliance with Truvian’s quality system and design-control procedures.
This role will report to the Director, Assay Development.

Location and Work Arrangements
Location: San Diego, CA (Onsite)
This role requires regular onsite work. We welcome applications from qualified candidates; however, relocation assistance is not provided for this position. Candidates should be located within commuting distance of the office.
Visa Sponsorship
Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Truvian does not currently provide visa sponsorship or support employment-based immigration petitions for this role.  
Work Schedule
This position offers multiple shift and schedule opportunities. Available shifts may include First Shift and Swing Shift, with workweek schedules of Monday–Friday, Tuesday–Saturday, or Wednesday–Sunday or an alternative workweek schedule of four 10-hour days, Sunday through Wednesday.  Final shift and schedule assignments will be based on position availability and business needs.

HERE’S WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS JOB:

• You will directly contribute to the development and validation of innovative diagnostic products intended to expand access to actionable health information.
• You will work with a collaborative, multidisciplinary team of assay scientists, chemists, engineers, data scientists, quality professionals, and manufacturing partners.
• You will gain hands-on experience across the product development lifecycle, from design and optimization through verification, validation, regulatory submission, and product support.
• You will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where thoughtful experimentation, rigorous documentation, and practical problem-solving make an immediate impact.
• You’ll have great perks such as:
• Generous Benefits (Medical/Dental/Vision/EAP/Paid Life Insurance/LTD/401K),
• Flexible vacation
• Kombucha and cold brew on tap, craft coffee, a variety of healthy snacks
• Onsite gym
• Farm to table onsite restaurant including a 30% discount

WHAT YOU WILL DO:
Broadly, this role is responsible for laboratory execution, data analysis, documentation, and cross-functional support for product verification and validation activities at Truvian.
This will require:

• Following established procedures and protocols to support optimization, verification and validation activities on Truvian’s automated diagnostic platform under Truvian’s design-control process.
• Planning and owning the execution of assigned V&V protocols under the guidance of a supervisor or senior team member.
• Performing reagent and/or sample preparations to support V&V activities.
• Documenting and analyzing data using appropriate software and tools; identifying trends, anomalies, and potential sources of variability; and communicating findings to project teams and leadership.
• Support troubleshooting and root-cause investigations with guidance from technical leads and management.
• Document work accurately and contemporaneously following GLP and GDP in data systems, protocols, reports, work instructions, and other controlled records.
• Contribute to protocol and report preparation for product development, design verification, design validation, manufacturing transfer, and regulatory submissions.
• Partner with assay development, engineering, software, data science, quality, regulatory, operations, and manufacturing teams to meet project milestones and product-development timelines.
• Maintain laboratory readiness, including equipment care, inventory monitoring, material traceability, and compliance with environmental health and safety requirements.
• Maintain compliance with company policies, the quality management system, design controls, Good Documentation Practices, and applicable GLP requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support program and business needs.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING:
The ideal candidate will have:

• A bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, or a related scientific discipline, with at least 2 years of relevant hands-on laboratory experience in assay development, product development, verification and validation, or a regulated diagnostics environment.
• Hands-on experience with formulation, reagent preparation, biological sample preparation strongly preferred.
• Experience working under design controls and within a regulated quality system for complex assays or integrated diagnostic systems.
• Working knowledge of Good Documentation Practices and applicable GMP and GLP principles.
• Experience executing controlled protocols, recording deviations, analyzing data, and preparing clear technical summaries or reports.
• Familiarity with FDA-regulated medical devices and the 510(k) submission process is preferred.
• Proficiency with standard assay laboratory equipment, including pipettes, balances, centrifuges, incubators, and plate readers or similar instrumentation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint; experience with statistical analysis or data-visualization software is preferred.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple experiments and priorities while meeting established timelines.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary, fast-paced start-up environment.
• A solution-oriented approach, sound laboratory judgment, and the ability to escalate risks, unexpected results, or compliance concerns promptly.

SUPERVISORY ROLE

• No direct supervisory responsibility; may provide training or technical guidance to junior team members.

COMPENSATION
$73,000 to $84,000

The salary range for this position represents the anticipated range for qualified candidates. Compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, skills, education, training, certifications, internal equity, market data, and business needs. The final compensation offered to a successful candidate will be determined based on these factors and the requirements of the role.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND ABILITIES

• Regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle small laboratory components, pipettes, samples, and equipment; reach with hands and arms; and communicate effectively.
• Frequently required to sit or stand for extended periods and perform repetitive laboratory tasks requiring fine motor control.
• Ability to lift and move laboratory supplies and equipment weighing up to 5 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work may involve human blood or other potentially infectious materials, chemicals, and biological reagents and requires consistent use of required personal protective equipment and exposure-control practices.

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter along with their resume. The cover letter is an opportunity to highlight how your experience in assay and/or panel architecture aligns with our mission, your approach to technical leadership and cross-functional collaboration, and how your expertise has driven innovation in diagnostic product development and complex assay systems.

Truvian is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. Employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. Truvian prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation and does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, including race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, reproductive health decision-making, or any other legally protected status.
This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, transfers, leaves of absence, disciplinary actions, termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment. Truvian is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants and employees with sincerely held religious beliefs, practices, or observances, in accordance with applicable.