Associate Scientist – Biology I

Job Description

Job Summary:

• Join our Biologics Pilot Lab and contribute directly to the development, scaleup, and pilot-scale production of early and late-stage biologic programs.
• In this role, you will execute downstream purification operations, support upstream activities as needed, and help advance programs that are central to company biologics pipeline.
• This position is ideal for candidates who are hands-on in the lab, collaborative, and excited to work on fast moving development efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Technical & Operational:

• Plan and execute downstream purification and scale-up activities including filtration, chromatography, and buffer preparation.
• Support upstream operations as needed to ensure seamless end-to-end process execution.
• Monitor, analyze, and interpret process and performance data; prepare clear summaries of findings as appropriate.
• Maintain laboratory readiness, including equipment maintenance, analytical instrument upkeep, consumable inventory management, and general lab support.

2. Communication & Collaboration:

• Present data, results, and conclusions in group meetings and cross functional discussions.
• Communicate technical information clearly and effectively to colleagues at varying levels.
• Work with a team-oriented, collaborative, and solutions-focused mindset.
• Maintain a strong safety focus in all laboratories and pilot operations.

Education:

• AA/AS degree with 2+ years of relevant industry experience (purification techniques), or
  BS/BE in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biology, or related discipline with 1+ year of relevant experience.

Required Qualifications:

• Hands-on experience with downstream purification operations, including centrifugation, chromatography, TFF, and depth filtration.
• Proficiency with AKTA systems and UNICORN programming.
• Practical experience in chromatography column operations, including resin packing and unpacking at various scales (e.g. 4.4 to 30 cm internal diameter columns).
• Strong verbal communication, technical writing, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in cross functional teams and in a dynamic environment.
• Self-motivated, organized, and comfortable with scientific problem solving.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in pilot plant operations for biologics in a single-use facility.
• Familiarity with Process Development and/or current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), technology transfer, plant operations, and bioprocess scaleup principles.

Work Requirements:

• This is a 100% onsite role in Foster City, CA.
• Occasional weekend work required to support pilot-scale biologics operations.
• Reason for Opening: Increased business needs and workload when FTEs are not available to meet timelines.

Team Environment:

• You will join a team of seven scientists responsible for producing pilot-scale biological products that support biologics programs, trouble shooting and improving processes.
• The team implements new technologies to enhance operational capability, capacity, and efficiency across the site.

Interview Process:

• Initial Zoom screening, followed by 1:1 interview with the hiring manager and 1–2 team members.