GPC Analytics Associate – Polymers & Materials (Equity)

Aether; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Aether Biomachines in California seeks an Analytical Research Associate to support polymer development with hands-on analytical testing and GPC operation. You will run polymer samples, maintain instruments, and ensure high-quality, reproducible data in a fast-moving startup setting.

You will collaborate with an analytical scientist and other materials team members, with growth toward method development and expanded analytical scope. On-site at our South San Francisco facility.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience running samples on a SEC/GPC or similar LC system.
• Strong fundamentals in chromatography and laboratory best practices.
• Experience working with polymers (synthetic and/or biopolymers).
• High attention to detail and commitment to data quality.
• Comfort working independently while collaborating with others.
• Ability to recognize problematic data or samples and speak up.
• Safe lab practices, including handling chemicals, solvents, and glassware.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and run polymer samples on GPC systems, following established methods and SOPs
• Track method performance to ensure data quality, reproducibility, and consistency over time
• Perform routine instrument maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting, escalating issues as needed
• Identify clearly problematic or compromised data and communicate issues proactively
• Collaborate closely with an analytical scientist on scheduling, priorities, and technical problem-solving
• Support materials scientists and engineers by running analytical tests for ongoing experiments
• Maintain accurate records of experiments, maintenance, and calibrations
• Contribute to writing or updating SOPs and best practices as the lab and team evolve
• Over time, take on additional ownership such as consumables management, method improvements, or expanded analytical scope

Skills

GPC/LC

Chromatography

Polymers

Attention to detail

Independent work

Data quality

Safety

Job description

Aether Biomachines in California seeks an Analytical Research Associate to support polymer development with hands-on analytical testing and GPC operation. You will run polymer samples, maintain instruments, and ensure high-quality, reproducible data in a fast-moving startup setting.

You will collaborate with an analytical scientist and other materials team members, with growth toward method development and expanded analytical scope. On-site at our South San Francisco facility.