Associate Scientist (HPLC/AKTA/Protein experience)

Aequor; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Aequor is looking for an Associate Scientist for a 12+ months contract in South San Francisco. The ideal candidate should have at least 2 years of laboratory experience, with a strong focus on protein purification techniques and familiarity with AKTA systems.

This onsite role demands attention to detail and effective communication skills, as you will support membrane protein purification and contribute to multiple projects within a collaborative research environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of laboratory experience in academic or industry settings.
• Hands-on experience with standard molecular biology and biochemistry techniques.
• Strong understanding of sterile technique and mammalian cell culture practices.

Responsibilities

• Support membrane protein purification and general laboratory operations.
• Execute established laboratory protocols and maintain accurate records.
• Manage inventory and laboratory organization tasks.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Protein purification techniques

Micropipetting and standard lab equipment

Attention to detail

Effective communication

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline

Tools

AKTA chromatography systems

SDS-PAGE analysis

HPLC methods

Job description

Duration: 12+ Months with possible extension

Terms: Contract W2

Contract Duration: Initially listed as 1 year, but manager anticipates long‑term need up to 3 years pending budget renewals.

The ideal candidate will have at least 2 years of hands‑on laboratory experience in either academic or industry settings, with strong experience in protein purification techniques. Experience working with AKTA systems is highly preferred. Candidates should demonstrate strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to work effectively within a collaborative scientific team environment. This is a fully onsite role requiring daily presence in the South San Francisco lab. The team is seeking someone dependable, adaptable, and capable of balancing laboratory execution with documentation responsibilities in a fast‑paced research setting.

The Associate Scientist will support membrane protein purification, and general laboratory operations within a collaborative research environment. The individual will contribute to multiple projects by executing established laboratory protocols, maintaining accurate experimental records, and supporting protein production workflows.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform membrane protein purification, including cell lysis and membrane pellet preparation
• Conduct affinity chromatography using anti-FLAG, Strep‑Tactin, and Ni‑NTA purification systems
• Operate AKTA chromatography systems for protein purification workflows
• Run and analyze SDS‑PAGE gels and western blots
• Perform protein concentration analysis using spectrophotometry and colorimetric assays
• Utilize HPLC methods for protein quality control
• Maintain detailed laboratory documentation and experimental records
• Support inventory management, reagent preparation, and laboratory organization
• Manage storage and tracking of protein inventories

Basic Qualifications

• Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Bachelor of Science degree in a scientific discipline
• Minimum of 2 years of laboratory experience in academic or industry settings
• Hands‑on experience with standard molecular biology and biochemistry laboratory techniques
• Proficiency with micropipetting, centrifuges, balances, pH meters, and related laboratory equipment
• Strong understanding of sterile technique and mammalian cell culture practices
• Ability to follow established protocols with strong attention to detail
• Effective written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with membrane protein purification
• Familiarity with AKTA chromatography systems
• Experience culturing mammalian cells
• Knowledge of protein characterization and analytical techniques

Top 3 Must Have Skill Sets

1. Hands‑on Laboratory Experience
   • Minimum 2 years of laboratory experience in a scientific setting
   • Strong proficiency in micropipetting, sample preparation, SDS‑PAGE, buffer preparation, and operation of standard laboratory equipment
2. Protein Purification and Analytical Techniques
   • Experience with membrane protein purification workflows and chromatography methods
   • Familiarity with AKTA purification systems, affinity chromatography, western blotting, and protein characterization assays
   • Ability to perform and interpret basic protein QC analyses
3. Attention to Detail and Communication
   • Ability to follow established laboratory protocols accurately and consistently
   • Strong documentation, organizational, and data‑recording skills
   • Effective written and verbal communication skills within a collaborative research environment