Associate I, Technical Development Operations

Planet Pharma; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Pharma seeks an Associate I for downstream process development in cell and gene therapy. Based in South San Francisco, you will contribute to AAV development, operate purification steps, and document activities in digital systems.

The role requires 0-2+ years in pharma/biologics labs, strong communication, and good record-keeping. Onsite work with potential overtime; compensation is $30–$35 per hour depending on experience.

Qualifications

• BS in Life Science or Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 0-2+ years of experience in a pharmaceutical/biologics lab or manufacturing environment.
• Understanding of downstream process theory and equipment operation.
• Strong communication and ability to work independently or in a team.
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Willing to work outside normal business hours and/or overtime as required.

Responsibilities

• Perform operations per internal policies and requirements.
• Execute experiments for downstream process development activities.
• Support downstream purification unit operations (chromatography, clarification, tangential flow filtration, sterile filtration, column packing).
• Operate production equipment, including setup, processing, and cleaning.
• Maintain operating equipment specifications and improve techniques.
• Document preparation and maintenance for process development and research production operations.
• Maintain digital records in in-house systems and shared repositories.

Skills

Strong communicator

Documentation

MS Office

Problem solving

Team player

Overtime availability

Education

BS in Life Science or Engineering

Job description

Pay 30-35/h depending on experience

Purpose & Scope

This position reports to the Lead, Technical Department Operations in the Technical Development Department within the Cell and Gene Therapy Research Division. The associate will participate in downstream areas of AAV development and production within process development for gene therapy programs and processes. This position will be located in South San Francisco, CA.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Perform all operations as directed per internal policies and other requirements.
• Execute experiments for downstream process development activities
• Support downstream purification unit operations (such as chromatography, clarification, tangential flow filtration, sterile filtration, column packing, etc.)
• Operate production equipment, including inspection, set up, processing, and cleaning
• Establish operating equipment specifications and improve operational techniques
• Execute corrective measures addressing any issues in a timely manner
• Attend safety meetings and follow all safety procedures as defined, including maintaining a safe work environment for both self and colleagues. Execute corrective measures addressing any issues in a timely manner.
• Ability to contribute to process improvement plans and help drive to completion
• Conduct operations in a collaborative, team environment with a positive attitude to accomplish goals
• Assist with process development experiments following defined experimental plans for non-GMP supply
• Document preparation and maintenance for process development and research grade AAV production operations.
• Maintain digital records of all research production activities using in-house systems and shared digital document repositories.
• Follow laboratory safety procedures.
• Other duties as assigned
• This is a lab and office-centric position that requires onsite work.

Qualifications

Required

• BS in Life Science or Engineering or equivalent experience
• Associate I: 0-2+ years of experience working in a pharmaceutical/biologics lab or manufacturing environment
• Display understanding of downstream process theory (i.e., Depth Filtration, Harvest, Tangential Flow Filtration, Column Chromatography) and equipment operation
• Strong communicator with ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Demonstrated experience in maintaining detailed records and ability to assist in document revisions
• Strong computer skills including MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Effective problem-solving skills
• Available to work outside of normal business hours and/or overtime as required (occasional weekend work)

Preferred

• Experience in biologics (protein, enzyme, AAV) purification
• Technical understanding of a biotech manufacturing facility
• Experience with single-use technologies
• Working knowledge of disposable manufacturing methodology such as the use of sterile bags with tubing and tubing welders
• Ability to multi-task, be flexible and to thrive in a fast-paced environment, as well as the capacity to handle uncertainty and changing priorities