Research Associate I, Early Research & Process Development

Real Staffing Group; United States; On-site; USD 34,440,000 - 48,216,000; Part time

Job summary

Real Staffing Group is seeking a Research Associate I in Columbus, OH for a 10-month onsite contract. You will support cell line development and upstream process development for recombinant biologics and AAV vector production, performing hands-on lab work and experimental execution.

The role emphasizes aseptic culture, analytical assays, data documentation, and collaboration within a multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

• B.S. in a relevant science with 0–2 years of related experience.
• Experience in mammalian cell culture and upstream biologics production is a plus.
• Strong problem-solving and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and scale up mammalian cell culture seed trains using aseptic techniques.
• Assist in development and optimization of recombinant biologics and AAV vector processes.
• Support upstream workflows, sample submission, and data recording.
• Operate and troubleshoot Bioflo320 systems for small- and medium-scale productions.
• Coordinate weekly laboratory activities and ensure safe practices.
• Document experimental records and present findings to the team.

Skills

Cell culture

Upstream processing

Mammalian cell culture

Analytical assays

qRT-PCR

ELISA

Education

B.S. in Biomedical engineering, chemistry/chemical engineering, biology, biochemistry or related degree

Job description

Research Associate I, Early Stage Process Development

Columbus, OH (100% Onsite)

10-Month Contract

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.