Research Associate - II

Title: Sr. Research Associate
Duration: 9+ Months
Location: Oceanside, CA 92056

Description
The employer is seeking a Sr. Research Associate I with hands-on experience in protein purification process development and process characterization. This role supports Process Development activities and contributes to biologics development projects in a collaborative, laboratory-based environment.

Essential Duties and Job Functions

• Plan and execute assigned on-site experiments in support of Process Development activities and project goals.
• Select appropriate experimental methods and techniques based on project requirements.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, evaluate data quality, and identify anomalous results.
• Recommend alternative approaches, research new methods and techniques, and proactively consult senior team members to resolve technical challenges.
• Participate in group meetings and present experimental results, data interpretation, and conclusions.
• Demonstrate strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to clearly explain experimental processes and outcomes.
• Work collaboratively with a team-oriented, problem-solving mindset.
• Consistently follow safety practices; ability to work with highly potent compounds upon appropriate training.

Knowledge, Experience, and Skills

• Bachelor's or higher degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Prior experience in biologics purification, with emphasis on conjugation, tangential flow filtration (UF/DF), and filtration.
• Experience with analytical techniques such as SEC/HPLC, capillary electrophoresis (reducing/non-reducing), and HCP testing is beneficial but not required.
• Knowledge of cGMPs, technology transfer, and bioprocess scale-up.
• Strong technical writing skills.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional and multidisciplinary teams.
• Working knowledge of downstream process development, including centrifugation, normal and tangential flow filtration, chromatography operations, and virus clearance, with hands-on experience in several areas expected.
• Experience with multiple biologic modalities (e.g., monoclonal antibodies, bispecifics, fusion proteins, antibody-drug conjugates, virus particles) and expression systems (microbial and mammalian) is a plus.
• Ability to design and execute purification experiments with increasing independence to support process definition, optimization, and characterization.
• Collaborate with Technical Operations during technology transfer from process development to GMP manufacturing, including on-floor support, troubleshooting, and identification of process and equipment improvements.
• Contribute to regulatory filings, process validation, and characterization reports.
• Self-motivated, well-organized, and intellectually curious, with interest in scientific literature and conferences.

Basic Qualifications

• BS degree in a relevant scientific discipline with 2+ years of relevant experience, OR
• MS degree in a relevant scientific discipline with 0+ years of relevant experience