Associate Scientist

ACL Digital; Oceanside (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

ACL Digital seeks an Associate Scientist to advance purification process development through high-throughput methods and automation. You will work on upstream purification of cell culture samples, and support downstream characterization, with an emphasis on automated workflows using Tecan and Hamilton platforms.

The role requires hands‑on lab skills, experience with HTP purification, and the ability to troubleshoot and optimize automated processes in a fast‑paced environment.

Qualifications

• MS with 2+ years or BS with 4+ years of relevant industry experience in chemical engineering, biochemistry, bioengineering, or related discipline.
• Expertise developing and executing HTP purification assays and working with automated liquid handling systems (Tecan, Hamilton, microscale chromatography).
• Experience with chromatography, filtration, and standard downstream techniques.

Responsibilities

• Execute high‑throughput purification workflows for upstream/cell culture samples to support process characterization.
• Operate, optimize, and maintain automated liquid handling systems such as Hamilton and Tecan platforms.
• Develop, qualify, and refine HTP purification assays and microscale purification methods.
• Collaborate with upstream teams to ensure timely sample processing and data delivery.

Skills

HTP purification

Automation platforms

Chromatography

Data integrity

Education

MS or BS in relevant field

Tools

Tecan

Hamilton

AKTA

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated Associate Scientist to support purification process development during pivotal and commercial development phases. This contract role focuses on high‑throughput purification of upstream/cell culture samples and supports downstream purification characterization studies. A core part of this role is the development and optimization of high‑throughput purification assays using state‑of‑the‑art automation platforms (e.g., Tecan, Hamilton).

The ideal candidate brings strong hands‑on laboratory skills, deep familiarity with HTP purification methods, and the ability to establish, troubleshoot, and refine automated workflows.

Key Responsibilities

High‑Throughput Purification & Automation

• Execute high‑throughput purification (HTP) workflows for upstream/cell culture samples to support process characterization.
• Operate, optimize, and maintain automated liquid handling systems such as Hamilton and Tecan platforms.
• Develop, qualify, and refine HTP purification assays and microscale purification methods.
• Collaborate with upstream teams to ensure timely sample processing and data delivery.

Purification Process Development

• Contribute to experimental design and execute purification process development and characterization experiments.
• Conduct bench‑scale purification studies using chromatography, filtration, and microscale systems.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data in compliance with data integrity expectations.
• Prepare high‑quality protocols, reports, and electronic laboratory notebook documentation.

Technical Excellence & Collaboration

• Support implementation of new purification technologies, instrumentation, and platform enhancements.
• Maintain a state‑of‑the‑art purification lab, including instrumentation readiness and workflow improvements.
• Partner with upstream, downstream, and cross‑functional colleagues as needed on development and characterization initiatives.
• Follow all compliance, training, and safety requirements.

Qualifications / Skills / Experience

• M.S. with 2+ years or B.S. with 4+ years of relevant industry experience in chemical engineering, biochemistry, bioengineering, or related discipline.
• Expertise developing and executing HTP purification assays, including automated liquid handling systems such as Tecan, Hamilton, and microscale chromatography platforms.
• Experience with chromatography (e.g., AKTA, plate‑based), filtration, and standard downstream techniques.