Sr Research Associate

Description

On-site in San Rafael, CA, 5 days per week

About Worldwide Research & Development (WWRD)

The Worldwide Research & Development (WWRD) organization spans early research through post-market clinical development and includes the scientific teams responsible for discovery, translational research, and development. Our collaborative environment emphasizes scientific rigor, innovation, and meaningful patient impact.

Position Summary

The Therapeutics Process Development & Characterization (TPDC) group is seeking a highly motivated Temporary Senior Research Associate to support biologics purification and analytical characterization, with a primary focus on recombinant enzymes and additional exposure to therapeutic proteins, antibodies, and peptide-based modalities.

This is a primarily laboratory-based role involving hands-on purification and characterization of biologics using established chromatography and filtration workflows. The successful candidate will independently execute purification experiments, troubleshoot technical challenges, analyze experimental data, and contribute to activities supporting multiple early-stage and exploratory research programs. The position also supports laboratory operations through routine instrument maintenance.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, scientifically curious, highly organized, and capable of working independently while collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary project teams.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Protein & Biologic Purification
  • Independently perform purification of recombinant enzymes and other therapeutic biologics, including proteins, antibodies, and peptides, using ÄKTA Pure and ÄKTA Avant chromatography systems.
  • Execute and optimize 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 tangential-flow filtration (TFF), ultrafiltration/diafiltration (UF/DF), or centrifugal filtration.
  • Evaluate purification performance and recommend process improvements to enhance yield, purity, and recovery.
  • Troubleshoot chromatography, filtration, and purification processes with minimal supervision.
  • Prepare buffers, reagents, and chromatography columns according to established procedures.
  • Perform routine instrument checks, preventative maintenance, and basic troubleshooting of purification equipment.
• Analytical Characterization
  • Perform analytical assays to assess purity, identity, concentration, and quality of biologics, including:
    • SDS-PAGE
    • CE-SDS
    • SEC-HPLC
    • RP-HPLC
    • UV/Vis spectrophotometry
    • Additional protein and peptide analytical methods as required
  • Interpret analytical data to support purification process optimization and project decision-making.
  • Analyze experimental results using GraphPad Prism, JMP, Microsoft Excel, or similar software.
  • Communicate experimental findings through technical summaries, presentations, and discussions with cross-functional project teams.
  • Support analytical method development, qualification, or technology transfer activities as needed.
• General Laboratory Responsibilities
  • Maintain accurate and complete electronic and/or paper laboratory notebooks.
  • Follow established SOPs and document deviations with guidance.
  • Communicate results, observations, and progress updates clearly within the team.
  • Contribute to a safe, clean, and well-organized laboratory environment in compliance with safety standards.

Education & Experience

• Senior Research Associate I
  • 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 in a related scientific discipline with 2–4 years of relevant industry experience.
  • Demonstrated 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.
  • Experience with tangential-flow filtration (TFF) and ultrafiltration/diafiltration (UF/DF) is preferred.

Desired Skills

• Experience in protein purification and biologics characterization.
• Demonstrated ability to independently plan, execute, troubleshoot, and optimize purification experiments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Experience with electronic laboratory notebooks (Benchling or similar) and data analysis software such as GraphPad Prism or JMP.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present technical data effectively.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining high-quality scientific documentation.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary research teams.