ASSOCIATE SCIENTIST

Planet Pharma; Thousand Oaks (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Part time

Job summary

Planet Pharma in Thousand Oaks, CA, is seeking an Associate Scientist to perform analytical characterization of pre-clinical monoclonal antibody drug candidates. The role focuses on sample preparation, LC-MS/MS analyses, and data processing, with emphasis on PTMs and data quality.

The candidate will also develop MS data-processing tools using Python and AI tools, support regulatory submissions, and evaluate emerging technologies for MS-based protein characterization.

Qualifications

• PhD, MS or BS with relevant experience in protein analysis.
• Experience with LC-MS/MS and PTM analysis is preferred.
• Programming and AI tool experience (Python, Claude Code, Codex) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Characterize pre-clinical mAb candidates using LC-MS/MS and sample prep.
• Develop MS data processing tools for reporting and data aggregation using Python.
• Perform sample prep including reduction/alkylation and peptide mapping.
• Support regulatory submissions and publications with analytical data.
• Explore emerging MS technologies for protein characterization.

Skills

Mass spectrometry

Python

Data analysis

Laboratory automation

Education

PhD in Analytical Chemistry / Biochemistry / related

Master's in Analytical Chemistry / Biochemistry / related

Bachelor's degree with 2 years of experience

Tools

BioPharma Finder

Skyline

Byonic

Byos

Expressionist

Job description

Associate Scientist

Location: Thousand Oaks, CA
Category: Scientific
Salary: Apply for details
Country: United States
Employment: Contract
Worksite: On-Site

Job Description

Target PR Range: 35-45/hr DOE

In this vital role the scientist will be responsible for analytical characterization of pre-clinical biotherapeutic monoclonal antibody (mAb) drug candidates with emphasis on sample preparation, liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry and statistical data processing. The ideal candidate should be able to perform one or more of the following.

• Creation of mass spectrometry software analysis tools for data post-processing for reporting and data aggregation. Utilization of Claude Code, Codex, Python and other modern AI tools.
• Sample preparation, including reduction and alkylation of disulfide bonds, enzymatic digestion of mAb. Liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) peptide mapping analysis and data processing to identify and quantify the PTMs.
• Physical automation of the sample preparation, including digestion for peptide mapping on Hamilton liquid handler.
• LC-UV-MS analysis of intact mAbs, including mass deconvolution and identification on the mAbs, their forms and fragments.
• This position is also responsible for providing scientific results that support the generation of regulatory submissions, patents, and publications and exploring and evaluating emerging technologies relevant to MS-based characterization of therapeutic proteins.

Basic Qualifications

• Doctorate degree PhD OR
• Master's degree and OR
• Bachelor's degree and 2 years of experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's or Bachelor's in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, computer sciences, bioinformatics.
• Expertise with modern AI and programming tools, including Claude Code, Codex, Databricks, Python.
• Familiarity with mass spectrometry of proteins, peptides and glycans.
• Familiarity with mass spectrometry data processing software packages (BioPharma Finder, Skyline, Byonic, Byos, Expressionist).
• Expertise with statistical analysis software.
• Laboratory work skills, including manual and automated sample preparation.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for the timely documentation, presentation, and discussion of scientific results in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, sex, gender identity or expression, disability, age, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations. It is our policy not to discriminate against any applicant or employee, and we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful work environment across all locations in which we operate. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our mission and enhance our ability to serve clients globally. If you have a disability or require any reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please inform your recruiter or contact us(opens in new tab) directly so that we can explore the appropriate arrangements.