Associate Scientist - Downstream Process Development

Aequor; North Carolina; On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Aequor seeks an Associate Scientist - Downstream Process Development for an 18-month onsite contract in Durham, NC. The role focuses on hands-on downstream operations supporting gene therapy processes, including data capture and cross-functional collaboration.

You will execute unit operations (depth filtration, chromatography, TFF) at varying scales, document results, and contribute to process optimization with attention to safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in biological/ pharmaceutical sciences or related field with 2 years relevant experience, or Master’s with 0–1 years.
• Hands-on experience with depth filtration, chromatography, or tangential flow filtration (TFF).
• Accurate execution and adherence to procedures.
• Strong data analysis and result communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Execute experimental and process activities to support program deliverables.
• Perform downstream processes like depth filtration, chromatography, or TFF at small or large scale.
• Support pilot- and large-scale batches including prep, sampling, and documentation.
• Analyze data and communicate results to the team.
• Maintain documentation and equipment, follow safety and procedures.

Skills

Downstream operations

Data analysis

Documentation

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences or related field

Master's degree in relevant field

Job description

Job Title: Associate Scientist - Downstream Process Development

Location: Durham, NC (Onsite)

Duration: 18 months

Shift: Mon - Friday (8 - 5)

Pay Rate: *** - ***

About the Role:

The Gene Therapy Downstream Process Development Team within Technical Research & Development (TRD) organization drives purification process development for gene therapy assets across both adeno-associated virus (AAV) and lentiviral vector (LVV) modalities.

The Associate Scientist - Downstream Process Development (Contract) is a temporary contract position providing hands-on experimental and operational support for defined gene therapy development activities. The role will support the planning, execution, and analysis of assigned experiments in support of gene therapy program initiatives. This role performs hands-on downstream process work at small and large scale and supports the execution of pilot- and large-scale batches. The position is intended to provide focused execution capacity for current program needs, working closely with downstream team members and cross-functional partners.

Major Accountabilities:

• Execute assigned experimental and process activities in support of defined program deliverables, working under the guidance of senior team members.
• Perform hands-on downstream process operations, such as depth filtration, chromatography, and/or tangential flow filtration (TFF), at both small and large scale.
• Support the execution of pilot- and large-scale batches, including equipment and materials preparation, process operation, sampling, and documentation.
• Compile, analyze, and summarize experimental data and share results and observations with the team.
• Accurately document experimental procedures, observations, and results in accordance with good documentation practices.
• Prepare and maintain laboratory equipment, buffers, and materials, and help coordinate laboratory activities and supplies for assigned studies.
• Follow safety requirements, technical standards, and best practices, and contribute ideas for continuous improvement of laboratory processes.
• Coordinate with downstream team members and cross-functional partners as needed to support timely study and batch execution.
• Provide flexible, hands-on support across assigned studies and batch activities based on evolving program and team needs.

Essential Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in biological sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, chemical engineering, or a related technical field with 2 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree with 0-1 years of relevant experience.
• Hands-on experience with at least one of the following downstream unit operations at small or large scale: depth filtration, chromatography, or tangential flow filtration (TFF).
• Ability to carry out assigned experiments and process operations accurately, following established procedures and protocols.
• Working knowledge of data analysis and the ability to summarize and communicate experimental results.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to good documentation practices.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team setting.

Desired Requirements:

• Experience supporting pilot- or large-scale batch execution.
• Knowledge of viral gene therapy and experience with AAV or LVV downstream processes.