Downstream Bioprocess Associate

VARITE INC; Foster City (CA); On-site; USD 69,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Retirement Plans

Legal Service Plans

Job summary

VARITE is seeking a Downstream Bioprocess Associate to join our Biologics Pilot Lab in Foster City, CA onsite on a 12-month contract. You will execute pilot-scale purification runs, troubleshoot in real time, and support biologics programs from development through scale-up and technology transfer.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with downstream purification operations (chromatography, TFF, viral filtration) and familiarity with AKTA systems and UNICORN software, plus strong

Qualifications

• Hands-on pilot-scale downstream bioprocess experience.
• Experience with downstream purification operations such as chromatography, TFF, viral filtration, depth filtration, centrifugation, and buffer preparation.
• Experience operating AKTA systems and working with UNICORN; chromatography column operation experience is strongly relevant.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute downstream purification runs, including clarification, chromatography, TFF, and viral filtration, in a schedule-driven pilot environment.
• Prepare buffers and reagents; set up, operate, clean, and tear down pilot-scale and single-use equipment.
• Pack and unpack chromatography columns, operate AKTA systems, and use UNICORN methods for run execution.
• Document work in SOPs, batch records, run sheets, and summaries; capture observations and deviations clearly.
• Monitor process performance, interpret data, troubleshoot during runs, and communicate findings to cross-functional partners.
• Support process scale-up, comparability activities, technology transfer, lab readiness, and occasional weekend or extended-hour coverage.

Skills

Downstream bioprocess

Pilot-scale operations

Chromatography

TFF

AKTA systems

UNICORN software

Documentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

AA/AS degree in related field

BS/BE in chemical/biochemical engineering or related field

Tools

UNICORN

AKTA systems

Job description

VARITE is looking for qualified Downstream Bioprocess Associate in Foster City, CA 94404 (Onsite)

WHAT THE CLIENT DOES?

An American biopharmaceutical company that focuses on researching and developing antiviral drugs used in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, influenza, and COVID-19.

WHAT WE DO?

Established in the Year 2000, VARITE is an award-winning minority business enterprise providing global consulting & staffing services to Fortune 1000 companies and government agencies. With 850+ global consultants, VARITE is committed to delivering excellence to its customers by leveraging its global experience and expertise in providing comprehensive scientific, engineering, technical, and non-technical staff augmentation and talent acquisition services.

Job Title: Downstream Bioprocess Associate

Location: Foster City, CA 94404 (Onsite - 5 days/week Occasional weekends as needed)

Contract Duration: 12 months with possible extension

Pay Range: $50.00/hr. to $54.67/hr. on W2

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL DO

Overview:

• I'm looking for a hands-on downstream bioprocess professional to join our Biologics Pilot Lab in Foster City.
• You’ll help execute pilot-scale purification runs, troubleshoot in real time, and support biologics programs from development through scale‑up and technology transfer.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out:

• Work directly with pilot‑scale chromatography, TFF, viral filtration, depth filtration, centrifugation, and single‑use equipment.
• Build practical skills in scale‑up, end‑to‑end run execution, controlled documentation, troubleshooting, and technology transfer.
• Contribute to multiple early- and late‑stage biologics programs in a collaborative, fast‑moving environment.
• Gain meaningful continuity through a 12‑month contract that runs from your start date.

What You’ll Do:

• Plan and execute downstream purification runs, including clarification, chromatography, TFF, and viral filtration, in a schedule‑driven pilot environment.
• Prepare buffers and reagents; set up, operate, clean, and tear down pilot‑scale and single‑use equipment.
• Pack and unpack chromatography columns, operate ÄKTA systems, and use UNICORN methods for run execution.
• Document work in SOPs, batch records, run sheets, and summaries; capture observations and deviations clearly.
• Monitor process performance, interpret data, troubleshoot during runs, and communicate findings to cross‑functional partners.
• Support process scale‑up, comparability activities, technology transfer, lab readiness, and occasional weekend or extended‑hour coverage.

What You’ll Bring:

• Required: Hands‑on pilot‑scale downstream bioprocess experience.
• Experience with downstream purification operations such as chromatography, TFF, viral filtration, depth filtration, centrifugation, and buffer preparation.
• Experience operating ÄKTA systems and working with UNICORN; chromatography column operation experience is strongly relevant.
• Clear technical communication, documentation, organization, and collaborative problem‑solving skills.
• Your broader experience can come from bench, pilot, or manufacturing settings; hands‑on pilot‑scale work is the one must‑have.

Nice to Have:

• End‑to‑end purification process execution rather than experience with only one unit operation.
• Biologics pilot plant, manufacturing support, technology transfer, or GMP‑adjacent experience.
• Experience with single‑use facilities, controlled documentation, process scale‑up, or comparability activities.
• Flexibility to support occasional weekend or extended‑hour run coverage.

Education:

• AA/AS degree with more than 4 years of relevant industry experience in downstream purification or bioprocessing; or
• BS/BE in chemical or biochemical engineering, biochemistry, biology, or a related discipline with more than 2 years of relevant experience.

BENEFITS:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well‑being, and financial security of our employees and their families. Eligible employees may receive:

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement Plans: Participation in a company‑sponsored retirement savings plan.
• Legal Service Plans: Offering access to attorneys for legal advice and representation.

VARITE is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.