Upstream Associate

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ALL EMPLOYEES Contract Houston, TX, US

Salary Range: $30.00 To $50.00 Hourly

Work Schedule: part-time with potential for full-time hire

Days:
Saturday and Sunday (8 hours)

About Us

Sino Biological is a world-renowned reagent supplier and contract research organization, listed on Chi Next of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (301047 Sino Biological Inc.). Our core technology platform is an in-house-developed mammalian cell-based recombinant expression system that leverages proprietary reagents and processes for high-efficiency production of antigens and antibodies. We are headquartered in Beijing, China, with a U.S. base in the Greater Philadelphia area, an office and bioprocessing center in Houston, Texas, and subsidiaries in Frankfurt, Germany, and Kawasaki, Japan.

Sino Biological is committed to providing high-quality recombinant protein and antibody reagents and to being a one-stop technical services shop for life science researchers worldwide. All of our products are independently developed and produced. In addition, we offer pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology firms pre-clinical production technology services for hundreds of monoclonal antibody drug candidates.

This entry-level, hands-on role offers experience in both upstream bioprocessing and protein quality control (QC) for individuals looking to launch their industrial biotechnology career. As an Associate, Upstream, you’ll assist in recombinant protein and antibody expression using mammalian cell cultures, while also supporting QC testing to evaluate product quality. You’ll work closely with project scientists, contributing to aseptic cell culture, transfection, harvest, and analytical testing, all with an emphasis on accuracy, documentation, and collaboration across teams.

Flexibility is key, including potential weekend work, early/late weekday shifts, and participation in essential lab maintenance or cross-functional support tasks as needed.

Perform recombinant protein expression using mammalian systems such as HEK
293 and CHO.

Execute upstream workflows including cell thawing, expansion, transfection, and harvesting.

Maintain lab cleanliness, including biosafety cabinets, incubators, and shared spaces.

Handle and maintain cell cultures using proper aseptic techniques.

Conduct protein quality control assays, including SDS-PAGE, HPLC-SEC, endotoxin testing, and UV-Vis measurements.

Record data and observations in electronic lab notebooks accurately and promptly.

Assist with media/reagent preparation, equipment setup, and maintenance tasks.

Support instrument calibration, troubleshooting, and lab upkeep.

Collaborate with downstream and cross-functional teams to ensure smooth project execution.

Conduct product aliquoting to meet delivery timelines.

Adhere to all safety and PPE protocols under federal, state, and local regulations.

Bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) in Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field.

Lab experience with mammalian cell culture; HEK
293 and CHO required.

Familiarity with suspension culture and aseptic techniques.

Basic experience with analytical assays such as SDS-PAGE, HPLC-SEC, UV-Vis, or endotoxin testing is a plus.

Strong attention to detail, documentation, and troubleshooting skills.

Flexible and adaptable to varying schedules or project demands.

Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

Must be able to lift and move 25-50 lbs as needed.

Working at Sino Biological’s C4B facility isn’t just another lab…