Assistant | Associate Scientist

Job Description

Job Summary:

• The Primary role of the Downstream Associate Scientist is to execute lab scale experiments in the downstream development process such as buffer preparation, chromatography, filtration processes, TFF.
• Experiment will be executed and documented in laboratory notebooks and ELN to follow detailed.
• Fast paced environment flexibility is essential.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Execute downstream purification experiments including chromatography (affinity, ion exchange, HIC) and filtration techniques (TFF, depth filtration).
• Assist in process development, optimization, and scale-up of purification processes for proteins, antibodies, or other biologics.
• Prepare large volumes of buffer and maintain appropriately required documentation.
• Operate and maintain AKTA systems and other purification equipment.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and present findings to internal teams.
• Support technology transfer activities from development to manufacturing.
• Draft and review technical documents including protocols, reports, SOPs, and batch records.
• Ensure compliance with company and regulatory quality standards as applicable.
• Troubleshoot process issues and propose scientifically sound solutions.
• Collaborate with upstream, analytical, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless project progression.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in physical and/or electronic lab notebooks.
• Perform routine laboratory activities including sample management, instrument maintenance and calibration, inventory and ordering of supplies, general housekeeping, and other related activities.

Education:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.

Technical Skills:

• Hands-on experience with chromatography systems (e.g., AKTA).
• Knowledge of protein purification techniques and principles.
• Familiarity with filtration methods including ultrafiltration/diafiltration (UF/DF).
• Familiarity with buffer preparation
• Basic understanding of analytical methods (e.g., HPLC, SDS-PAGE, UV-Vis).
• Experience with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, JMP, or similar).

Experience:

• 0–3 years (Associate level) of relevant industry or academic experience in downstream processing.
• Experience in a CDMO or biopharmaceutical environment is a plus.

Physical Demands &Work Environment:

• Laboratory-based position which requires appropriate levels of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• This role may require contact with biohazardous materials such as live cell cultures and other hazardous chemicals including methotrexate, acids, and caustics.
• Powdered materials and high temperature liquids and solids may also be handled
• Frequent repeated motions such as pipetting, lifting, bending, twisting, squatting, crouching, kneeling, climbing on step stools, and reaching may be required.
• This role may also require unassisted lifting (not to exceed 50 lbs).
• Repetitive use of arms/hands/wrists and grasping may also be required
• The position is based indoors and the individual will primarily be working with others, but also independently and alone at times in the laboratory
• The office-based work will require sitting
• Dynamic, fast-paced, interactive, and entrepreneurial environment