Research Associate Support Resource

Planet Pharma; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Pharma is seeking a contractor Research Associate to join the Analytical Development team in South San Francisco. You will help develop and optimize assays for proteins, DNA, and AAV nanoparticles, and perform routine tests like PCR, ELISA, and cell-based assays under SOPs and regulatory guidelines.

You will maintain well-documented records, summarize results for meetings, and contribute to reports with independent, cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• BS with 3+ years in pharma/biotech performing biologic assays for characterization of proteins, DNA, RNA, virus or other biological products.
• Proven experience with assays such as PCR, ELISA, and mammalian cell-based assays.
• Proven hands-on sterile technique for handling and growing mammalian cell lines, including maintenance, characterization and differentiation, expansion, and banking.
• Experience with routine molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA/protein isolation, cDNA synthesis, RT-PCR, qPCR, ddPCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence).
• Positive, professional self-starter with a passion for science and strong analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Help to develop and optimize assays for protein, DNA, adeno-associated virus (AAV) nanoparticles and related cell-based assays.
• Perform routine testing including PCR (ddPCR, qPCR), ELISA, and cell-based assays following SOPs and regulatory guidelines.
• Involve in assay transfer to other groups, QC, testing group and Research.
• Participate in writing, reviewing, and editing experimental procedures and reports.
• Maintain accurate, timely records of all analytical development activities.
• Analyze data to draw conclusions and make recommendations.

Skills

PCR

ELISA

Cell-based assays

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular biology techniques

Data analysis

Technical writing

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor of Science

Tools

qPCR

ddPCR

Western blot

Immunofluorescence

MS Office

ELN documentation

Job description

DESCRIPTION

The contractor Research Associate will work closely with the Analytical Development team in the Tech Dev department to help methods development and test samples utilizing PCR, ELISA, cell-based and other assays; as well as to contribute to design and performing experiments with supervision as needed; complete assigned tasks within time frames with high quality; maintain a well-documented record of activities in ELN and reports. Additionally, the role includes regularly summarizing and presenting experimental results in meetings and participating in reports writing. The position level will be commensurate with education and experience level. This role will be at our South San Francisco R&D facility.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Help to develop and optimize assays for protein, DNA, adeno associated viral (AAV) nanoparticles and related cell-based assay.
• Perform routine testing including but not limited to PCR (ddPCR, qPCR etc.), ELISA, and cell-based assays following SOP and regulatory guidelines
• In volve in assay transfer to other groups, QC, testing group and Research
• Participate in writing, reviewing, and editing experimental procedures and reports
• Maintain accurate, error-free records of all analytical development activities timely
• Analyze and determine the applicability of laboratory data to draw conclusions and to make appropriate recommendations.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor of Science with 3+ years experience working in pharmaceutical or biotech company performing biologic assays for characterization of proteins, DNA, RNA, virus or other biological products.
• Proven experience with assays, such as PCR, ELISA, and mammalian cell-based assays.
• Proven hands-on experience with sterile technique for handling and growing mammalian cell lines, including maintenance, cell characterization and differentiation, expansion, and banking
• Experience or knowledge with routine molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA/protein isolation, cDNA synthesis, RT-PCR, qPCR, dd PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence)
• Positive, professional self-starter with a passion for science, innovative technical and analytical skills required to perform at the highest level
• Highly motivated and independent yet has successfully worked in a group setting with efficient, flexible and self-motivated work ethic; to be utilized in work planning, executing, and data analyzing.
• Excellent clear and concise writing skills for technical reports and documents along with strong verbal communication skills
• Proven ability to work in cross-functional teams as a strong team player as well as independently.
• Successful history and the ability to handle several fast-paced projects concurrently.
• Excellent communication, writing and presentation skills to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proficient working in Microsoft Office Suite

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Experience working with Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV)
• Experience in analytical method development and assay transfer
• Experience in statistical analysis