Research Associate I, Early Research & Process Development

Real; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Specialist Staffing Group seeks a Research Associate I to support early-stage cell line development and upstream process development for recombinant biologics and AAV vector production. You will contribute to preclinical manufacturing, scale-up, and hands-on lab work in a fast-paced team environment.

Responsibilities include maintaining cell culture seed trains, operating Bioflo320 systems, and coordinating weekly lab activities while documenting experiments and presenting findings to leadership.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Biomedical engineering, chemistry/chemical engineering, biology, biochemistry or related degree
• 0-2 years related experience
• Experience with mammalian cell culture techniques is desirable
• Experience in upstream biologics/vector production is a plus
• Experience with basic biochemistry techniques (qRT-PCR, SDS-PAGE, Western blot, ELISA) is desirable
• Ability to troubleshoot and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication and teamwork skills

Responsibilities

• Maintain and scale up mammalian cell culture seed trains using aseptic techniques
• Operate Bioflo320 systems for small- to medium-scale productions
• Take routine samples and evaluate performance attributes
• Manage consumables and waste streams, including buffers and tubing
• Assist in calibration, troubleshooting of CLD and USP instruments
• Support experiment setup, execution, and sample submission
• Document experimental records accurately
• Present findings in group meetings and coordinate laboratory activities

Skills

Troubleshooting

Project management

Cross-functional work

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biomedical engineering/chemistry/chemical engineering/biology/biochemistry

Tools

Bioflo320 systems

qRT-PCR

SDS-PAGE

Western blot

ELISA

Job description

Research Associate I, Early Stage Process Development

We are seeking a Research Associate I to support Cell Line Development and Upstream Process Development activities focused on the development and optimization of recombinant biologics and AAV vector production processes. This individual will contribute to early-stage R&D, preclinical manufacturing, and process scale-up through hands‑on laboratory work and experimental execution.

Primary Responsibilities Include:

• Maintain and scale up mammalian cell culture seed trains using aseptic techniques.
• Develop proficiency to maintain and become the primary superuser of the control software operation of Bioflo320 systems for small- and medium-scale (3L, 10L and 50L) recombinant protein productions
• Take routine samples from ongoing productions and evaluate critical performance attributes.
• Perform daily management of consumables and waste streams, including buffer and tubing preparation.
• Participate in the maintenance, calibration and troubleshooting of CLD and USP instruments.
• Support upstream team members in experiment setup, execution, breakdown, and analytical sample submission.
• Assist in the proper documentation of experimental records.
• Present research findings in group meetings to team members and leadership.
• Coordinate weekly/monthly laboratory activities.
• Contribute to a safe, efficient, and effective team environment with personal accountability.

Education and Skills Requirements:

• B.S. in Biomedical engineering, chemistry/chemical engineering, biology, biochemistry or related degree with 0-2-year related experience
• Previous experience of mammalian cell culture techniques such as cell passaging, aseptic technique processing, transient transfection and cell culture harvest is desired
• Experience in upstream techniques for production of biologics particularly antibody and/or viral vectors (AAV, Lenti-) production is a plus
• Experience in basic biochemistry laboratory techniques such as qRT-PCR, SDS-PAGE, Western blot, ELISA, etc. is desired
• Ability to think critically and demonstrate troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills
• Self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership in areas of responsibility and willingness to accept temporary responsibilities outside of initial job description
• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment with minimal direction and able to adjust workload based upon changing priorities
• Proven ability to successfully manage projects and timelines, organize/track complex information, prioritize accordingly, and the ability to quickly adjust to shifting priorities and demanding timelines when necessary
• Excellent communication skills with the proven ability to build open and collaborative relationships and work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team

EOE Statement:

Specialist Staffing Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.