Associate Scientist - Protein

Associate Scientist - Protein

Location: South San Francisco, CA

Onsite Flexibility: Onsite

Contract Details

• Position Type: Contract
• Contract Duration: 12 months
• Pay Rate: $25.00 $30.00 / Hour (USD)
• Shift / Schedule: Monday Friday, 8:00 AM 5:00 PM; occasional overtime may be required with manager approval; weekend work not expected
• Work Authorization: Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Job Summary

This role supports the IPP (Induced Proximity Platform) Development group, providing laboratory support for protein purification activities and associated experiments. The ideal candidate is a hands-on laboratory scientist with strong protein purification experience who enjoys bench work and can independently execute laboratory protocols with accuracy. They should be detail-oriented, organized, capable of documenting results thoroughly, and able to communicate findings clearly with the team. This role is heavily focused on laboratory execution rather than experimental design, making prior hands-on purification experience significantly more important than broad research experience.

The Associate Scientist will support protein and antibody production, purification, and analytical activities within the Discovery Protein Science department. This role will primarily support the Induced Proximity Platform by executing established protein production and characterization workflows. The individual will contribute to multiple protein production requests, maintain accurate experimental records, and collaborate with cross-functional scientists to deliver high-quality protein reagents in a fast-paced research environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform AKTA/FPLC-based purifications (Affinity, ion-exchange (IEX), hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC), size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), and other chromatography-based methods) with a focus on antibody-based molecules.
• Perform biochemical and biophysical characterization of proteins and antibodies using analytical HPLC, SDS-PAGE, endotoxin testing, and LC-MS.
• Perform transient and stable mammalian cell expression of recombinant proteins and antibodies, as needed.
• Maintain detailed laboratory documentation and experimental records.
• Support inventory management, reagent preparation, and laboratory organization.
• Support protein production and purification requests for the Induced Proximity Platform to enable discovery-stage research.
• Perform protein purification using AKTA/FPLC chromatography systems, including affinity, IEX, HIC, and SEC.
• Conduct SDS-PAGE, spectrophotometry, HPLC, and other protein characterization assays.
• Perform buffer exchange and dialysis.
• Perform small-scale purification using KingFisher.
• Operate automated liquid handling systems to support panel-based bispecific purification workflows.
• Culture and maintain mammalian cell lines as needed.
• Prepare laboratory reagents, buffers, and samples according to established protocols.
• Accurately document experimental procedures, observations, and results in laboratory records and electronic systems.
• Monitor laboratory inventory, organize consumables, and support routine laboratory maintenance activities.
• Collaborate with scientists and cross-functional team members to support project timelines and research priorities.
• Follow safety guidelines, sterile techniques, and laboratory compliance standards in all daily activities.

Required Skills

Protein Purification and Analytical Techniques

• Experience with protein purification workflows and chromatography methods.
• Proficient in AKTA/FPLC chromatography instrumentation such as affinity, IEX, HIC, and SEC.
• Ability to perform buffer exchange and dialysis.
• Perform and interpret basic protein QC analyses:

- Spectrophotometry and colorimetric assays for protein concentration - HPLC-based purity assessment - SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis and imaging - Endotoxin testing - LC-MS sample preparation and submission

Hands-on Laboratory Experience

• Strong proficiency in micro-pipetting, sample preparation, SDS-PAGE, buffer preparation, and operation of standard laboratory equipment.
• Experience with sterile technique and mammalian cell culture handling.
• Comfortable working in a laboratory environment 100% of the time.
• Experience following laboratory protocols accurately.

Attention to Detail and Communication

• Ability to follow established laboratory protocols accurately and consistently.
• Strong documentation, organizational, and data-recording skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills within a collaborative research environment.
• Proficiency with AKTA/FPLC chromatography systems, HPLC, and related laboratory equipment.
• Experience with protein characterization and analytical techniques.
• Ability to follow established protocols with strong attention to detail.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of antibody formats, isotypes, and structures.
• Understanding of sterile technique and mammalian cell culture practices.
• Familiarity with automation such as KingFisher and Hamilton.
• Hands-on experience in DNA construct design and molecular cloning.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional research environment.
• Demonstrated scientific analysis and problem-solving skills.

Education Requirements

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Master's degree OR Bachelor's degree and 2 years of experience OR Associate's degree and 4 years of experience OR High school Diploma/GED and 6 years of experience.

Required Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of hands-on laboratory experience in protein purification, protein analytics, or related biologics research in an academic or industry setting.
• Minimum 2 years of laboratory experience in a scientific setting.

Nice-to-Have Experience

• Candidates with additional industry experience.
• Candidates returning to industry.
• Candidates with more than two years of experience.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, antibody work, automation, molecular cloning, DNA construct design, and LC-MS (these skills can all be learned on the job).

Work Environment / Physical Requirements

• This is a 100% onsite laboratory role in South San Francisco.
• Comfortable working in a laboratory environment 100% of the time.
• Occasional overtime may be required with manager approval.
• Weekend work not expected.

Important Notes

• Two rounds of interviews: phone and in-person or virtual.
• Local candidates preferred; non-local candidates may be considered when comparable local talent is not available.

About GTT

GTT is a minority-owned staffing firm and a subsidiary of Chenega Corporation, a Native American-owned company in Alaska. We highly value diverse and inclusive workplaces and support Fortune 500 organizations across banking, financial services, technology, life sciences, biotech, utilities, and retail sectors throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Benefits

• Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance Plans
• 401k Retirement Fund

Job Number: 26-09270

#LI-Onsite #gttic