Associate Scientist, Purification Process Development

ACL Digital; Oceanside (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

ACL Digital in Oceanside, CA seeks an Associate Scientist (Purification Process Development) for a 12‑month contract to drive high‑throughput purification and automation efforts in upstream and downstream workflows.

The role emphasizes hands‑on lab work, development of scalable purification assays, and collaboration with cross‑functional teams to deliver characterization data with high integrity.

Qualifications

• M.S. with 2+ years or B.S. with 4+ years in a relevant field.
• Experience developing and executing HTP purification assays with automated systems.
• Proficiency in chromatography and filtration techniques.

Responsibilities

• Execute high‑throughput purification workflows to support process characterization.
• Operate, optimize, and maintain automated liquid handling systems (Tecan, Hamilton).
• Develop and refine HTP purification assays and microscale methods.
• Collaborate with upstream teams to ensure timely sample processing and data delivery.
• Contribute to experimental design and run bench-scale purification studies.

Skills

HTP purification

Automated liquid handling

Tecan

Hamilton

AKTA chromatography

Filtration

Data integrity

Documentation

Education

Master's degree in a relevant field

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Tools

Tecan

Hamilton

AKTA

Job description

Job Title: Associate Scientist, Purification Process Development

Location: Oceanside, CA

Duration: 12 months

Description:

Associate Scientist (Level 26)

Position Summary

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.
• Strong analytical, documentation, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work both independently and in collaborative, fast‑paced environments.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.