GPC & Polymer Analytics Lab Specialist

Aether; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Job summary

Aether Biomachines is seeking an Analytical Research Associate to support materials and product development through hands-on analytical testing focused on gel permeation chromatography (GPC).

This early-career, lab-intensive role emphasizes running samples, maintaining instruments, and delivering high-quality, reproducible data in a fast-moving research environment. Room to grow into method development and broader chromatography techniques.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience running samples on a SEC/GPC or similar LC system.
• Strong fundamentals in chromatography and lab practices.
• Experience working with polymers (synthetic and/or biopolymers).
• High attention to data quality and reproducibility.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with others.
• Safe lab practices, including handling chemicals 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/SEC operation

Chromatography fundamentals

Polymer knowledge

Data quality mindset

Independent work

Problem recognition

Safe lab practices

Tools

GPC Instruments

LC method development

Job description

Aether Biomachines is seeking an Analytical Research Associate to support materials and product development through hands-on analytical testing focused on gel permeation chromatography (GPC).

This early-career, lab-intensive role emphasizes running samples, maintaining instruments, and delivering high-quality, reproducible data in a fast-moving research environment. Room to grow into method development and broader chromatography techniques.