Sr. Research Associate I

Senior Research Associate I – Biologics Purification & Characterization

Location:

San Rafael, CA

Schedule:

Onsite, Monday–Friday (5 days/week) Duration: 12-Month W2 Contract (potential to extend / convert) Pay Rate: $39-40/hour

Join a leading biotechnology organization dedicated to developing innovative therapies for individuals living with serious rare genetic diseases. This team is focused on advancing biologic drug discovery and development through cutting-edge research, scientific collaboration, and a commitment to improving patient outcomes.

The Therapeutics Process Development & Characterization team is seeking a Senior Research Associate I to support biologics purification and analytical characterization efforts across early-stage research programs. This is a hands-on laboratory role focused on purifying recombinant enzymes and other therapeutic biologics, including proteins, antibodies, and peptides. The ideal candidate will have strong experience with protein purification using ÄKTA chromatography systems, analytical characterization techniques, and scientific data analysis.

This individual should be detail-oriented, scientifically curious, and comfortable working independently while collaborating with cross-functional research teams.

• Independently perform purification of recombinant enzymes, proteins, antibodies, and peptide therapeutics.
• Operate ÄKTA Pure, ÄKTA Avant, or equivalent FPLC chromatography systems.
• Execute purification workflows including:
  • Affinity chromatography
  • Ion Exchange Chromatography (AEX/CEX)
  • Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC)
  • Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography (HIC)
  • Desalting and buffer exchange
• Perform concentration and buffer exchange using TFF, UF/DF, or centrifugal filtration.
• Troubleshoot purification processes and recommend process improvements.
• Prepare buffers, reagents, and chromatography columns.
• Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting of purification equipment.

• Perform analytical testing to evaluate biologic purity, identity, concentration, and quality using:
  • SDS-PAGE
  • CE-SDS
  • SEC-HPLC
  • RP-HPLC
  • UV/Vis Spectrophotometry
• Analyze experimental data using Graph Pad Prism, JMP, Excel, or similar software.
• Interpret results and communicate findings through technical summaries and presentations.
• Support analytical method development and technology transfer activities.

• Maintain accurate electronic laboratory notebooks and documentation.
• Follow SOPs and support compliance with laboratory quality standards.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized laboratory environment.
• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary research teams.

• Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline with 4–6 years of relevant industry experience, OR
• Master's degree with 2–4 years of relevant industry experience.
• Experience purifying recombinant enzymes, proteins, antibodies, or peptide therapeutics.
• Hands-on experience operating ÄKTA Pure, ÄKTA Avant, or equivalent FPLC chromatography systems.
• Experience with protein analytical techniques including SEC-HPLC, RP-HPLC, CE-SDS, SDS-PAGE, and UV/Vis spectroscopy.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Experience with Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) and Ultrafiltration/Diafiltration (UF/DF).
• Experience with electronic laboratory notebooks (Benchling or similar).
• Familiarity with Graph Pad Prism, JMP, or related scientific data analysis software.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining high-quality scientific documentation.

Please submit your resume in Word or PDF format to be considered.