Senior Research Associate

R&D Partners; San Rafael (CA); On-site; USD 69,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401k plan

Employee Assistance Program

Long-term disability

Weekly payroll

Online timecard approval

Job summary

R&D Partners seeks a Senior Research Associate to advance purification and analytical characterization of biologics in a lab-driven setting in San Rafael, CA. You will independently perform purification of recombinant enzymes, proteins, antibodies, and peptide therapeutics using ÄKTA systems while optimizing workflows across affinity, ion-exchange, SEC, and HIC.

You will also conduct concentration and buffer exchange via TFF/UF/DF, perform analytical assays (SDS-PAGE, CE-SDS, SEC-HPLC, RP-HPLC,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline with 4–6 years of relevant industry experience, or Master's degree in a related scientific discipline with 2–4 years of relevant industry experience.
• Demonstrated experience purifying recombinant enzymes, proteins, antibodies, or peptide therapeutics.
• Hands-on experience operating ÄKTA Pure, ÄKTA Avant, or equivalent FPLC chromatography systems.
• Experience with protein analytical techniques including SEC-HPLC, RP-HPLC, CE-SDS, SDS-PAGE, and UV/Vis spectroscopy.
• Experience with tangential-flow filtration (TFF) and ultrafiltration/diafiltration (UF/DF) is preferred.
• Desired Skills
• Experience in protein purification and biologics characterization.
• Demonstrated ability to independently plan, execute, troubleshoot, and optimize purification experiments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Experience with electronic laboratory notebooks (Benchling or similar) and data analysis software such as GraphPad Prism or JMP.
• $69,056-$86,320

Responsibilities

• Independently perform purification of recombinant enzymes and other therapeutic biologics, including proteins, antibodies, and peptides, using ÄKTA Pure and ÄKTA Avant chromatography systems.
• Execute and optimize purification workflows including Affinity chromatography, Ion exchange chromatography (AEX/CEX), Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), Hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC)
• Perform concentration and buffer exchange using tangential-flow filtration (TFF), ultrafiltration/diafiltration (UF/DF), or centrifugal filtration.
• Evaluate purification performance and recommend process improvements to enhance yield, purity, and recovery.
• Troubleshoot chromatography, filtration, and purification processes with minimal supervision.
• Prepare buffers, reagents, and chromatography columns according to established procedures.
• Perform routine instrument checks, preventative maintenance, and basic troubleshooting of purification equipment.
• Perform analytical assays to assess purity, identity, concentration, and quality of biologics, including: SDS-PAGE, CE-SDS, SEC-HPLC, RP-HPLC, UV/Vis spectrophotometry.
• Interpret analytical data to support purification process optimization and project decision-making.
• Analyze experimental results using GraphPad Prism, JMP, Microsoft Excel, or similar software.
• Communicate experimental findings through technical summaries, presentations, and discussions with cross-functional project teams.
• Support analytical method development, qualification, or technology transfer activities as needed.
• Maintain accurate and complete electronic and/or paper laboratory notebooks.
• Follow established SOPs and document deviations with guidance.

Skills

Purification of recombinant enzymes & 

ÄKTA chromatography systems

Protein analytics techniques

TFF/UF/DF

Data analysis software

Independent planning & troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry/ Biology/ Chemical Engineering or related; 4–6 years experience, or Master's with 2–4 years

Tools

GraphPad Prism

JMP

Microsoft Excel

Job description

We are hiring a Senior Research Associate to support biologics purification and analytical characterization, with a primary focus on recombinant enzymes and additional exposure to therapeutic proteins, antibodies, and peptide-based modalities. This is a primarily laboratory-based role involving hands-on purification and characterization of biologics using established chromatography and filtration workflows. The successful candidate will independently execute purification experiments, troubleshoot technical challenges, analyze experimental data, and contribute to activities supporting multiple early-stage and exploratory research programs. The position also supports laboratory operations through routine instrument maintenance. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, scientifically curious, highly organized, and capable of working independently while collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary project teams.

This is a 12-month contract position in San Rafael, California.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform purification of recombinant enzymes and other therapeutic biologics, including proteins, antibodies, and peptides, using ÄKTA Pure and ÄKTA Avant chromatography systems.
• Execute and optimize purification workflows including Affinity chromatography, Ion exchange chromatography (AEX/CEX), Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), Hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC)
• Perform concentration and buffer exchange using tangential-flow filtration (TFF), ultrafiltration/diafiltration (UF/DF), or centrifugal filtration.
• Evaluate purification performance and recommend process improvements to enhance yield, purity, and recovery.
• Troubleshoot chromatography, filtration, and purification processes with minimal supervision.
• Prepare buffers, reagents, and chromatography columns according to established procedures.
• Perform routine instrument checks, preventative maintenance, and basic troubleshooting of purification equipment.
• Perform analytical assays to assess purity, identity, concentration, and quality of biologics, including: SDS-PAGE, CE-SDS, SEC-HPLC, RP-HPLC, UV/Vis spectrophotometry.
• Interpret analytical data to support purification process optimization and project decision-making.
• Analyze experimental results using GraphPad Prism, JMP, Microsoft Excel, or similar software.
• Communicate experimental findings through technical summaries, presentations, and discussions with cross-functional project teams.
• Support analytical method development, qualification, or technology transfer activities as needed.
• Maintain accurate and complete electronic and/or paper laboratory notebooks.
• Follow established SOPs and document deviations with guidance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline with 4–6 years of relevant industry experience, or Master's degree in a related scientific discipline with 2–4 years of relevant industry experience.
• Demonstrated experience purifying recombinant enzymes, proteins, antibodies, or peptide therapeutics.
• Hands-on experience operating ÄKTA Pure, ÄKTA Avant, or equivalent FPLC chromatography systems.
• Experience with protein analytical techniques including SEC-HPLC, RP-HPLC, CE-SDS, SDS-PAGE, and UV/Vis spectroscopy.
• Experience with tangential-flow filtration (TFF) and ultrafiltration/diafiltration (UF/DF) is preferred.
• Desired Skills
• Experience in protein purification and biologics characterization.
• Demonstrated ability to independently plan, execute, troubleshoot, and optimize purification experiments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Experience with electronic laboratory notebooks (Benchling or similar) and data analysis software such as GraphPad Prism or JMP.
• $69,056-$86,320

Why Choose R&D Partners?

As an employee, you have access to a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical insurance – PPO, HMO & HSA
• 401k plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Long-term disability
• Weekly payroll
• Online timecard approval

R&D Partners is a global functional service provider and strategic staffing resource specializing in scientific, clinical research & engineering. We provide job opportunities within major pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies.

R&D Partners is an equal-opportunity employer.