Associate Scientist

Unicon Pharma Inc; San Carlos (CA); Presencial; USD 70.000 - 100.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Unicon Pharma Inc. in San Carlos, California, is seeking an Associate Scientist II (Contract) to advance conjugation chemistry and analytical development for a novel polysaccharide conjugate vaccine candidate.

The role emphasizes multistep modification, purification, and thorough characterization of polysaccharides and conjugates, with DoE‑driven optimization and data‑driven decisions. The successful candidate will execute established procedures, troubleshoot with limited guidance, and

Formación

• 3–5 years of relevant laboratory experience
• Hands‑on experience with purification methods including dialysis, FPLC, and tangential flow filtration (TFF)
• Proficiency in analytical techniques such as SDS‑PAGE, Western blotting, ELISA, HPLC, SEC‑MALS
• Experience working in a regulated laboratory environment (GLP, GMP, or CLIA) is preferred
• Ability to independently execute established procedures, troubleshoot challenges, and propose next steps
• Strong attention to detail and meticulous documentation in electronic lab notebooks like Benchling

Responsabilidades

• Set up, optimize, and troubleshoot multistep polysaccharide modification and conjugation reactions.
• Purify modified polysaccharides and conjugates using dialysis, FPLC, and TFF.
• Characterize proteins, polysaccharides, and conjugates with SDS‑PAGE, Western blot, ELISA, HPLC, and SEC‑MALS.
• Apply DoE principles to design and interpret experiments for process optimization.
• Review literature to inform experimental design and troubleshooting.
• Maintain accurate records in Benchling for traceability and reproducibility.
• Present results at group meetings and contribute to development reports.
• Support lab operations, including equipment maintenance and organization.

Conocimientos

Conjugation process development

Purification methods

Analytical assays

Design of Experiments (DoE)

Data interpretation & documentation

GLP/GMP/CLIA familiarity

Educación

Bachelor's degree in chemistry/biochemistry/biology/pharmaceutical sciences

BS with 2+ years biotech/industry experience

Descripción del empleo

Client is seeking an Associate Scientist II (Contract), Research, to support the development of a novel bacterial polysaccharide conjugate vaccine. This role will focus on the preparation, synthesis, purification, and analytical characterization of chemically modified polysaccharides and polysaccharide-protein conjugates. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of conjugation process development and analytical principles, supported by substantial hands‑on laboratory experience. The successful candidate will independently execute established procedures and optimize and troubleshoot polysaccharide modification, conjugation, and purification processes with limited guidance. This individual will also contribute to analytical development, stability studies, and process optimization.

Essential Functions

• Set up, execute, optimize, and troubleshoot multistep polysaccharide modification and polysaccharide-protein conjugation reactions using click chemistry and other relevant chemistries.
• Purify modified polysaccharides and conjugates using methods such as dialysis, FPLC chromatography, and tangential flow filtration (TFF).
• Characterize proteins, polysaccharides, and their conjugates using SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, ELISA, HPLC, SEC-MALS, and colorimetric based plate assays.
• Apply Design of Experiments (DoE) principles and software to design, execute, and interpret experiments that support process optimization.
• Contribute scientific ideas, experimental strategies, and improvements to conjugation and purification processes.
• Independently review and summarize relevant scientific literature to inform experimental design and troubleshooting.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and organized laboratory records in Benchling to support data traceability, process optimization, and reproducibility.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, identify trends and anomalies, and recommend next steps.
• Present findings at group meetings and contribute to laboratory protocols, technical summaries, and development reports.
• Execute established protocols with limited oversight, demonstrating technical proficiency and sound scientific judgment.
• Support routine laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance and laboratory organization.

Skills

3-5 years of relevant laboratory experience (academic, internship, or industry) Hands‑on experience with techniques such as biochemical assays, ELISA, cell culture, chromatography, spectroscopy, or other role‑specific methods is preferred Experience working in a regulated laboratory environment (GLP, GMP, or CLIA) I preferred

• Strong understanding of the scientific concepts underlying conjugation, purification process development, and analytical assays.
• Substantial hands‑on experience with purification methods, including diafiltration, depth filtration, and TFF, is required.
• Hands‑on experience in conjugation process development is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques used to characterize proteins, polysaccharides, and their conjugates, including SDS‑PAGE, Western blotting, ELISA, HPLC, and SEC‑MALS, is required.
• Demonstrated experience developing or optimizing scalable processes in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry. Experience with vaccines, carbohydrates, or proteins is a plus.
• Ability to independently execute established procedures, troubleshoot experimental challenges, and propose next steps with limited guidance.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to accurate documentation.
• Ability to support laboratory management, including coordination with vendors and service providers for equipment maintenance and service contracts.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across functions and contribute to shared project goals.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Availability to work full‑time, with on‑site attendance four to five days per week at our San Carlos office.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline with 0-2 relevant laboratory experience in analytical development, QC, or related field. Other combinations of education and/or experience may be considered.

B.S. in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related discipline, with more than two years of relevant biotechnology industry experience. Other combinations of education and/or experience may be considered.