Biologist

Binding Minds Inc. (Certified Disability Owned Business Enterprise); Boston (MA); On-site; USD 55,104 - 61,992; Full time

Job summary

A biotechnology company in Boston is seeking a highly motivated Contractor – Purification Scientist to support the purification and characterization of viral vectors and biologics. The candidate should have a Master’s degree and at least 2 years of experience with chromatography techniques. Responsibilities include executing purification processes, operating AKTA systems, and data analysis. The role requires strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to meet project timelines. The position offers a pay range of $40.00/hr – $45.00/hr.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of hands-on purification experience in an academic or industry setting.
• Strong practical expertise in ion-exchange and affinity chromatography.
• Solid understanding of basic analytical methods for product characterization.

Responsibilities

• Execute purification processes including affinity chromatography and ion-exchange chromatography.
• Operate AKTA systems for small-to-large-scale purification runs.
• Perform TFF operations for buffer exchange and concentration.
• Support experimental design, data collection, and documentation aligned with GMP/GLP.
• Assist with troubleshooting and optimization of purification processes.

Skills

Ion-exchange chromatography

Affinity purification

Tangential flow filtration (TFF)

Analytical methods (UV, SDS-PAGE, ddPCR, ELISA, HPLC)

Buffer preparation

Education

Master’s degree in Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or related discipline

Tools

AKTA systems

Unicorn software

Job description

Pay Range

Base pay: $40.00/hr – $45.00/hr

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated Contractor – Purification Scientist to join the Downstream Process Development team. The successful candidate will support purification and characterization of viral vectors, biologics, and recombinant proteins to enable process development and manufacturing activities. The role requires hands‑on experience with ion‑exchange chromatography, affinity purification, and tangential flow filtration (TFF), along with strong analytical and data interpretation skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute purification processes including affinity chromatography (AVB, CaptureSelect), ion‑exchange chromatography (AEX, CEX), and additional polishing steps.
• Operate AKTA systems (Avant, Pure, or Pilot) for small‑to‑large‑scale purification runs.
• Perform TFF operations for buffer exchange and concentration of intermediates or final products.
• Support experimental design, data collection, and documentation aligned with GMP/GLP best practices.
• Assist with troubleshooting and optimization of purification processes.
• Analyze in‑process and purified samples using analytical methods such as UV, SDS‑PAGE, ddPCR, ELISA, or HPLC.
• Collaborate closely with upstream, analytical, and manufacturing teams.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, manage buffer and column inventories, and ensure adherence to safety and documentation standards.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 2 years of hands‑on purification experience in an academic or industry setting.
• Strong practical expertise in ion‑exchange and affinity chromatography.
• Proficiency in buffer preparation.
• Solid understanding of basic analytical methods for product characterization.

Soft Skills

• High attention to detail with strong documentation practices.
• Effective communication and demonstrated teamwork capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet project timelines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with AAV or other viral vector purification.
• Experience operating AKTA systems and working with Unicorn software.