Contract Bioprocess Associate

Socket.dev; Champaign (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Path to full-time employment

Job summary

Socket.dev in Champaign, IL seeks a Contract Bioprocess Associate to join our bench scale lab and pilot facilities. You will assist in preparation, setup, and maintenance of lab equipment and experiments, collaborating with engineers and bioprocess teams on fermentation and downstream processes at pilot scale.

This six-month contract offers weekend/evening flexibility, with potential transition to full-time Bioprocess Associate for strong performers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific field or equivalent experience.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to follow safety protocols and maintain lab cleanliness.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparation, setup, and maintenance of lab or pilot plant equipment and experiments.
• Receive, label, and process samples; maintain documentation of procedures.
• Operate and maintain laboratory and pilot plant equipment; troubleshoot with engineers.
• Record and organize experimental data; assist in analysis and interpretation of results.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support projects; maintain a positive work environment.
• Adhere to quality control standards and keep a clean, organized lab space.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Teamwork

Willingness to learn

Lift 50 lbs

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Job description

About the role

• As we continue to grow, we are looking for a highly motivated Contract Bioprocess Associate to join our team. Our bench scale lab and pilot facilities are located in Champaign, IL.
• A successful candidate will work closely with engineers and senior associates to help clients optimize their fermentation and downstream processes at pilot scale.
• This role will work within the bench and/or pilot plant team on process development and scaling of bioprocesses for production of proteins, lipids, amino acids, organic acids, polysaccharides, hydrocolloids, and enzymes from bacteria, yeast, and fungal hosts.
• This is a contract role which we expect to last for six months. However, contractors who are strong performers will have the potential to transition to full-time-Bioprocess Associates upon completion of the contract.
• This role will involve reoccurring weekend work and occasional evening and night work and contractors with time flexibility will be preferred.

What you'll do

• Assist in the preparation, setup, and maintenance of laboratory or pilot plant equipment and experiments.
• Receive, label, and process samples according to established protocols. Maintain accurate documentation of sample information and experimental procedures.
• Operate and maintain laboratory and pilot plant equipment and instruments. Collaborate with senior technicians and bioprocess engineers to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues.
• Record and organize experimental data. Assist in the analysis and interpretation of results, contributing to the overall project objectives.
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to support ongoing projects. Communicate effectively with team members and contribute to a positive and productive work environment.
• Adhere to quality control standards and assist in maintaining a clean and organized laboratory space. Participate in routine maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific field preferred (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering) or equivalent experience.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Basic knowledge of laboratory techniques and procedures.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and methodologies.
• Ability to follow safety protocols and maintain a high standard of laboratory cleanliness.

The Ideal Candidate

• Experience working in laboratories with biological research a plant environment and/or comfortable working with high-pressure stainless-steel vessels.
• Enthusiasm for a startup environment (we are a small team).
• A quick learner with a passion for hands‑on work.
• Proactive and detail-oriented with a commitment to producing high-quality results.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
• Committed to maintaining a safe and compliant laboratory environment.
• Candidates who can work regularly on weekends will be preferred.

What We Offer

• Hourly salary of approx. $24/hour with path to conversion to full-time employee with benefits