Senior Research Associate

Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 94,558,000 - 134,674,000; Full time

Job summary

Kelly Science & Clinical seeks a Senior Research Associate for a contract position in San Diego, CA. The role centers on protein purification using AKTA chromatography systems and Unicorn software, with additional fermentation and primary recovery support within a matrixed team.

Strong documentation and lab skills are essential. The successful candidate will bring hands-on AKTA purification experience, familiarity with Unicorn software, and a background in industrial biotechnology R&D.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field preferred; Associate's degree with 3+ years of related experience required
• Minimum 1 year of hands‑on AKTA purification experience required; must be fluent in purification techniques
• Proficiency with Unicorn software required
• Some laboratory experience involving fermentation preferred
• Experience working in a laboratory environment in industrial biotechnology R&D is preferred, but not required
• Strong communication, organizational, and record-keeping skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and sequence analysis programs
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs

Responsibilities

• Perform protein purification via chromatography using AKTA systems and Unicorn software (approx. 90% of role)
• Support fermentation activities, including aseptic technique and microbial fermentation (approx. 10% of role)
• Conduct recovery/clarification and filtration of protein products, including continuous centrifugation and depth/membrane filtration
• Execute experimental protocols and designs with minimal supervision
• Perform daily laboratory support: experiment execution/documentation, equipment operation/maintenance, buffer/media preparation, and data entry/analysis
• Perform minor mechanical and instrumentation troubleshooting; take appropriate corrective action as needed
• Maintain experimental notes within an electronic lab notebook following Good Documentation Practices

Skills

Protein purification

AKTA purification experience

Unicorn software

Fermentation knowledge

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry/Bioengineering/C Chemical Engineering

Associate's degree + 3+ years experience

Tools

AKTA purification systems

Unicorn software

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Senior Research Associate, Process Development (Purification)

Kelly® Science & Clinical is seeking a Senior Research Associate for a contract position at a cutting-edge client in San Diego, CA. If you're passionate about bringing the latest scientific discoveries to life and are ready to take the next step in your career.

Pay: $40/hr

Schedule: Monday-Friday

Overview

This client is an industry-leading company that's leading the way in biotechnology, developing protein products through advanced fermentation and purification processes for both internal and external partners.

In this role, you will spend the majority of your time performing protein purification using AKTA chromatography systems and Unicorn software, with additional support on fermentation and primary recovery activities. You'll work in a matrixed team environment alongside strain engineering and analytical development teams to ensure processes are properly characterized to support product development and project timelines.

Responsibilities

• Perform protein purification via chromatography using AKTA systems and Unicorn software (approx. 90% of role)
• Support fermentation activities, including aseptic technique and microbial fermentation (approx. 10% of role)
• Conduct recovery/clarification and filtration of protein products, including continuous centrifugation and depth/membrane filtration
• Execute experimental protocols and designs with minimal supervision
• Perform daily laboratory support: experiment execution/documentation, equipment operation/maintenance, buffer/media preparation, and data entry/analysis
• Perform minor mechanical and instrumentation troubleshooting; take appropriate corrective action as needed
• Maintain experimental notes within an electronic lab notebook following Good Documentation Practices

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field preferred; Associate's degree with 3+ years of related experience required
• Minimum 1 year of hands‑on AKTA purification experience required; must be fluent in purification techniques
• Proficiency with Unicorn software required
• Some laboratory experience involving fermentation preferred
• Experience working in a laboratory environment in industrial biotechnology R&D is preferred, but not required
• Strong communication, organizational, and record-keeping skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and sequence analysis programs
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs