Downstream Process Development Specialist

Integrated Resources, Inc ( IRI ); Foster City (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A biopharmaceutical company in Foster City is looking for a Development Associate II to work onsite. The position involves executing downstream purification operations and supporting upstream activities. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with purification techniques and strong communication skills. This role requires proficiency with AKTA systems and the ability to work collaboratively. Skills in technical writing and problem-solving are a must. Weekend work may be required. Competitive benefits and growth potential are offered.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with downstream purification operations.
• Proficiency with AKTA systems and UNICORN programming.
• Strong verbal communication and technical writing skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute downstream purification activities.
• Support upstream operations for seamless process execution.
• Monitor and analyze performance data and prepare summaries.
• Maintain lab readiness, equipment upkeep and inventory management.
• Present data and conclusions in group meetings and cross‑functional discussions.
• Collaborate in a team‑oriented, safety‑focused environment.

Skills

Downstream purification operations

Centrifugation

Chromatography

Technical writing

Communication skills

Problem solving

Technical writing

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

AA/AS degree with 2+ years of experience

BS/BE in relevant discipline with 1+ year of experience

Tools

AKTA systems

UNICORN programming

Job description

Development Associate II / Associate Scientist – Downstream Process

Biologics Pilot Lab – Foster City, CA | Onsite (Occasional weekend hours will be required)

About the Role

Join our Biologics Pilot Lab and contribute directly to the development, scaleup, and pilot‑scale production of early and late‑stage biologic programs. In this role, you will execute downstream purification operations, support upstream activities as needed, and help advance programs that are central to Gilead biologics pipeline. This position is ideal for candidates who are hands‑on in the lab, collaborative, and excited to work on fast‑moving development efforts.

Key Responsibilities

Technical & Operational

• Plan and execute downstream purification and scale‑up activities including filtration, chromatography, and buffer preparation.
• Support upstream operations as needed to ensure seamless end‑to‑end process execution.
• Monitor, analyze, and interpret process and performance data; prepare clear summaries of findings as appropriate.
• Maintain laboratory readiness, including equipment maintenance, analytical instrument upkeep, consumable inventory management, and general lab support.
• Present data, results, and conclusions in group meetings and cross‑functional discussions.
• Communicate technical information clearly and effectively to colleagues at varying levels.
• Work with a team‑oriented, collaborative, and solutions‑focused mindset.
• Maintain a strong safety focus in all laboratories and pilot operations.

Required Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience with downstream purification operations, including centrifugation, chromatography, TFF, and depth filtration.
• Proficiency with AKTA systems and UNICORN programming.
• Practical experience in chromatography column operations, including resin packing and unpacking at various scales (e.g. 4.4 to 30 cm internal diameter columns).
• Strong verbal communication, technical writing, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams and in a dynamic environment.
• Self‑motivated, organized, and comfortable with scientific problem solving.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in pilot plant operations for biologics in a single‑use facility.
• Familiarity with Process Development and/or current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), technology transfer, plant operations, and bioprocess scaleup principles.

Education

• AA/AS degree with 2+ years of relevant industry experience (purification techniques), or
• BS/BE in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biology, or related discipline with 1+ year of relevant experience.

Work Requirements

• This is a 100% onsite role in Foster City, CA.
• Occasional weekend work required to support pilot‑scale biologics operations.
• Reason for Opening: Increased business needs and workload when FTEs are not available to meet timelines.