Associate Scientist

Planet Pharma; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Pharma in Cambridge, MA, seeks an Associate Scientist / Scientist for protein characterization and analytical testing. You will perform LC and CE analyses, manage samples, and contribute to late-stage biopharmaceutical development.

The role emphasizes method development, data integrity, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to advance CQAs and control strategies, with opportunities to train newer staff and impact regulatory documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required with 2+ years of relevant experience or equivalent
• Experience in biologics characterization and analytical sciences preferred
• Strong communication and technical writing skills

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain sample inventories with tracking and disposition
• Support protein characterization using LC and CE
• Develop, optimize, qualify, transfer, and implement analytical methods for CQAs
• Support process characterization and control strategy development
• Prepare technical reports and documentation
• Train junior staff and coordinate resources to support project objectives

Skills

Sample inventory

CE testing

Analytical method development

Education

Bachelor's degree in life sciences

Tools

LC

Capillary electrophoresis

Job description

Associate Scientist / Scientist - Protein Characterization & Analytical Testing

Are you passionate about biologics characterization and analytical sciences? We're seeking a talented scientist with hands-on experience in liquid chromatography (LC), capillary electrophoresis (CE), and sample management to support late-stage biopharmaceutical development.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain sample inventories, including sample receipt, storage, tracking, status monitoring, and disposition in partnership with laboratory stakeholders.
• Support protein characterization, structural elucidation, and forced degradation studies using advanced analytical techniques including LC and CE.
• Develop, optimize, troubleshoot, qualify, transfer, and implement analytical methods used to assess critical quality attributes (CQAs).
• Support process characterization, comparability assessments, investigations, and control strategy development.
• Interpret complex analytical data and prepare, review, and verify technical reports and documentation.
• Conduct laboratory experiments with minimal supervision while ensuring data integrity, accuracy, and compliance.
• Analyze scientific data, communicate findings, and contribute to technical discussions within cross‑functional teams.
• Troubleshoot laboratory equipment and experimental challenges.
• Contribute to reports, presentations, regulatory documentation, publications, invention disclosures, and patent submissions.
• Participate in departmental initiatives including safety programs, recruiting efforts, and committee activities.
• Train junior staff and coordinate resources as needed to support project objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 2+ years of relevant experience, OR
• Associate degree with 4+ years of relevant experience, OR
• High School Diploma/GED with 6+ years of relevant experience

Top Required Skills

• Sample & Inventory Management
• Biologics Testing using Capillary Electrophoresis (CE)

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience working in a biopharmaceutical or biotechnology environment.
• Strong understanding of protein characterization and analytical method development.
• Experience generating reproducible, high-quality analytical data.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and technical writing skills.