Polymer GPC Analyst – Analytical Research Associate

Aether Bio, Inc.; South San Francisco, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; 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 with a primary focus on gel permeation chromatography (GPC). This early-career, lab-intensive role centers on running samples, maintaining instruments, and ensuring high-quality, reproducible data in a fast-moving startup environment.

You’ll work onsite at our South San Francisco facility, collaborating with an analytical scientist and the materials

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience running samples on a SEC/GPC or similar LC system (academic or industry).
• 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 closely with others.
• Ability to recognize when data or samples are clearly problematic 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/SEC LC

Chromatography basics

Polymer samples

Data quality

Independent work

Documentation

Tools

GPC instruments

Job description

Aether Biomachines is seeking an Analytical Research Associate to support materials and product development through hands-on analytical testing with a primary focus on gel permeation chromatography (GPC). This early-career, lab-intensive role centers on running samples, maintaining instruments, and ensuring high-quality, reproducible data in a fast-moving startup environment.

You’ll work onsite at our South San Francisco facility, collaborating with an analytical scientist and the materials