Protein Purification Scientist

Randstad USA; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Randstad USA in Carlsbad, CA is seeking a Scientist II to lead downstream processing for therapeutic protein manufacture on a 6-month contract basis. The role requires hands-on operation of Cytiva ÄKTA UNICORN and Bio-Rad NGC systems, performing chromatography, TFF, and related QC tasks in a controlled lab.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's degree in a life sciences field with 3+ years of protein purification experience and on-site work capability in ISO/GMP settings.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree required in a life sciences field.
• 3+ years of protein purification experience in biotech manufacturing or R&D.
• Hands-on experience with Cytiva ÄKTA (UNICORN) or Bio-Rad NGC FPLC systems.
• Understanding of multiple chromatography modes (affinity, ion-exchange, SEC, HIC).
• Ability to follow strict batch records and work on-site in a controlled lab.

Responsibilities

• Purify therapeutic proteins in a controlled manufacturing lab following SOPs and documentation.
• Operate Cytiva ÄKTA UNICORN and Bio-Rad NGC platforms for downstream processes.
• Perform column chromatography (affinity, IEX, SEC, HIC), TFF, and buffer prep.
• Execute characterization assays (SDS-PAGE) and evaluate chromatograms against specs.
• Troubleshoot routine process/equipment issues and support CI/validation initiatives.
• Maintain batch records and quality documentation per QMS guidelines.

Skills

Protein purification

Laboratory skills

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology/Biochemistry/Chemistry or related life sciences

Tools

Cytiva ÄKTA UNICORN

Bio-Rad NGC FPLC

Job description

Job summary

Join a global life sciences innovator in beautiful Carlsbad, CA, as a Scientist II specializing in downstream processing. If you have hands-on expertise operating FPLC systems and want to drive vital protein manufacturing processes in a cutting-edge laboratory setting, this high-impact, 6-month contract opportunity is for you.

Location: Carlsbad, CA

Job type: 6 month contract

Pay: $30 - $37 per hour

Work hours: Standard working hours

Education: Bachelor's Degree

Responsibilities

• Purify therapeutic proteins in a controlled manufacturing lab following standard operating procedures and controlled documentation.
• Operate Cytiva ÄKTA FPLC (UNICORN software) and Bio-Rad NGC chromatography platforms to execute downstream processes.
• Perform column chromatography (affinity, IEX, SEC, HIC), tangential flow filtration (TFF), and buffer preparation.
• Execute characterization assays, including SDS-PAGE, and evaluate chromatograms against established operational parameters.
• Troubleshoot routine process or equipment anomalies and support continuous improvement/validation initiatives.
• Maintain strict batch records and quality documentation in compliance with standard Quality Management System guidelines.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a related life sciences discipline.
• 3+ years of protein purification experience within a biotechnology manufacturing or R&D setting.
• Proven, hands‑on experience using Cytiva ÄKTA (UNICORN) or Bio-Rad NGC FPLC purification systems.
• Practical understanding of multiple chromatography modes (affinity, ion-exchange, size-exclusion, HIC).
• Proven capability to follow strict batch records and work on‑site in a controlled laboratory (+4°C cold room as required).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating in an ISO 9001 or GMP-regulated environment.
• Hands‑on proficiency with Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) systems.

Skills

FPLC, ÄKTA, Bio-Rad NGC, UNICORN Software, Protein Purification, Column Chromatography, Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF), SDS-PAGE, Ion-Exchange Chromatography, Size-Exclusion Chromatography, Buffer Preparation, GMP, ISO 9001, Batch Records

Equal Opportunity Employer: Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status.

Pay offered to a successful candidate will be based on several factors including the candidate's education, work experience, work location, specific job duties, certifications, etc. In addition, Randstad offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: medical, prescription, dental, vision, AD&D, and life insurance offerings, short-term disability, and a 401K plan (all benefits are based on eligibility).

This posting is open for thirty (30) days.

Qualified applicants in San Francisco with criminal histories will be considered for employment in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.