(CW) Research Associate (Contract/Temporary)

BioSpace; San Rafael (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. – Worldwide Research & Development is seeking a Senior Research Associate I (Temporary) to support biologics purification and analytical characterization.

The role focuses on recombinant enzymes and other therapeutic biologics, employing ÄKTA Pure and ÄKTA Avant chromatography systems in a hands‑on laboratory setting. You will execute purification workflows, analyze data, troubleshoot processes, and contribute to multiple early‑stage research programs while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline with 4–6 years of relevant industry experience, or
• Master's degree in a related scientific discipline with 2–4 years of relevant industry experience.
• Demonstrated experience purifying recombinant enzymes, proteins, antibodies, or peptide therapeutics.
• Hands‑on experience operating ÄKTA Pure, ÄKTA Avant, or equivalent FPLC chromatography systems.
• Experience with protein analytical techniques including SEC‑HPLC, RP‑HPLC, CE‑SDS, SDS‑PAGE, and UV/Vis spectroscopy.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform purification of recombinant enzymes and other therapeutic biologics using ÄKTA Pure and ÄKTA Avant systems.
• Execute and optimize purification workflows: affinity, ion exchange, SEC, HIC, desalting, and buffer exchange.
• Troubleshoot chromatography, filtration, and purification processes with minimal supervision.
• Prepare buffers, reagents, and chromatography columns per procedures.
• Perform routine instrument checks, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting of purification equipment.
• Perform analytical assays to assess purity and identity (SDS‑PAGE, SEC‑HPLC, RP‑HPLC, CE‑SDS, UV/Vis).
• Communicate experimental findings through summaries and presentations to cross‑functional teams.
• Support method development, qualification, or technology transfer as needed.

Skills

Independent planning

Troubleshooting

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Documentation

Biochemistry knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry/Biology/Chemical Engineering

Master's degree in related field

Tools

ÄKTA Pure

ÄKTA Avant

FPLC

Benchling or similar LIMS

Job description

Who We Are

BioMarin is a leading rare disease biotechnology company focused on genetically defined conditions. Guided by our purpose to develop medicines that make a profound impact on people’s lives, our global teams have delivered a portfolio of therapies since our founding in 1997. Our revolutionary treatments for conditions like achondroplasia (the most common form of dwarfism), PKU (phenylketonuria), CLN2, a form of Batten disease, and a number of forms of MPS (mucopolysaccharidosis) offer new possibilities for patients and families who previously had few, if any, available options. More recently, with the close of the Amicus acquisition, our portfolio has expanded to include therapies for Fabry disease and Pompe disease, expanding our ability to reach more people living with rare genetic conditions. Our success comes from our unwavering commitment to excellence, our deep understanding of patient needs, our scientific expertise, and our world‑class manufacturing capabilities. At the heart of BioMarin is a dedicated team of the brightest minds in the industry working together to deliver innovative therapies to patients and families around the world.

About Worldwide Research And Development

From research and discovery to post‑market clinical development, our R&D engine involves all bench and clinical research and the associated groups that support those endeavors. Our teams work on developing first‑in‑class and best‑in‑class therapeutics that provide meaningful advances to patients who live with rare diseases.

Senior Research Associate I (Temporary) – Biologics Purification & Characterization

BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. – Worldwide Research & Development

Position Type: Temporary, Full‑Time ONSITE

Position Summary

The Therapeutics Process Development & Characterization (TPDC) group is seeking a highly motivated Temporary Senior Research Associate I to support biologics purification and analytical characterization, with a primary focus on recombinant enzymes and additional exposure to therapeutic proteins, antibodies, and peptide‑based modalities. This is a primarily laboratory‑based role involving hands‑on purification and characterization of biologics using established chromatography and filtration workflows. The successful candidate will independently execute purification experiments, troubleshoot technical challenges, analyze experimental data, and contribute to activities supporting multiple early‑stage and exploratory research programs across BioMarin. The position also supports laboratory operations through routine instrument maintenance. The ideal candidate is detail‑oriented, scientifically curious, highly organized, and capable of working independently while collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary project teams.

Duties & Responsibilities

Protein & Biologic Purification

Independently perform purification of recombinant enzymes and other therapeutic biologics, including proteins, antibodies, and peptides, using ÄKTA Pure and ÄKTA Avant chromatography systems.

Execute And Optimize Purification Workflows Including

• Affinity chromatography
• Ion exchange chromatography (AEX/CEX)
• Size‑exclusion chromatography (SEC)
• Hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC)
• Desalting and buffer exchange
• Perform concentration and buffer exchange using tangential‑flow filtration (TFF), ultrafiltration/diafiltration (UF/DF), or centrifugal filtration.

Evaluate purification performance and recommend process improvements to enhance yield, purity, and recovery.

Troubleshoot chromatography, filtration, and purification processes with minimal supervision.

Prepare buffers, reagents, and chromatography columns according to established procedures.

Perform routine instrument checks, preventative maintenance, and basic troubleshooting of purification equipment.

Analytical Characterization

Perform analytical assays to assess purity, identity, concentration, and quality of biologics, including:

• SDS‑PAGE
• CE‑SDS
• SEC‑HPLC
• RP‑HPLC
• UV/Vis spectrophotometry

Additional Protein And Peptide Analytical Methods As Required

Interpret analytical data to support purification process optimization and project decision‑making.

Analyze experimental results using GraphPad Prism, JMP, Microsoft Excel, or similar software.

Communicate experimental findings through technical summaries, presentations, and discussions with cross‑functional project teams.

Support analytical method development, qualification, or technology transfer activities as needed.

General Laboratory Responsibilities

Maintain accurate and complete electronic and/or paper laboratory notebooks.

Follow established SOPs and document deviations with guidance.

Communicate results, observations, and progress updates clearly within the team.

Contribute to a safe, clean, and well‑organized laboratory environment in compliance with BioMarin safety standards.

Education & Experience

Senior Research Associate I

Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline with 4–6 years of relevant industry experience, or

Master's degree in a related scientific discipline with 2–4 years of relevant industry experience.

Demonstrated experience purifying recombinant enzymes, proteins, antibodies, or peptide therapeutics.

Hands‑on experience operating ÄKTA Pure, ÄKTA Avant, or equivalent FPLC chromatography systems.

Experience with protein analytical techniques including SEC‑HPLC, RP‑HPLC, CE‑SDS, SDS‑PAGE, and UV/Vis spectroscopy.

Experience with tangential‑flow filtration (TFF) and ultrafiltration/diafiltration (UF/DF) is preferred.

Desired Skills

Experience in protein purification and biologics characterization.

Demonstrated ability to independently plan, execute, troubleshoot, and optimize purification experiments.

Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with excellent attention to detail.

Experience with electronic laboratory notebooks (Benchling or similar) and data analysis software such as GraphPad Prism or JMP.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present technical data effectively.

Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining high‑quality scientific documentation.

Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary research teams.

Note: This description is not intended to be all‑inclusive, or a limitation of the duties of the position. It is intended to describe the general nature of the job that may include other duties as assumed or assigned.

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Ireland Safety Responsibility

Support the organisation’s commitment to environmental protection, injury prevention, and continual improvement of EHS management systems. Actively contribute to a safe and environmentally responsible workplace by identifying hazards, reporting incidents and participating in EHS initiatives and training.