Senior Research Associate V

Planet Pharma Group; San Carlos (CA); On-site; USD 96,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Pharma is seeking a Senior Associate Scientist (contract) for the Vaccine Product Development group, within Protein Development and Clinical Manufacturing. The role is lab-based and focuses on executing plate-based analytical methods to measure protein concentration and quality for cell-free protein synthesis materials and intermediates.

The candidate will be the primary operator for lysate ELISA and Bradford assays, support method qualification, manage critical reagents, and apply

Qualifications

• BS or higher in biology/chemistry with industry experience.
• MS with 3+ years pharma/biotech experience preferred.
• Strong analytical chemistry/biochemistry knowledge and hands-on ELISA and protein assays.

Responsibilities

• Perform sandwich ELISA (RNA synthetase and RNA polymerase lysates) and Bradford total protein assays.
• Perform GFP activity assays, Capillary Western (Jess/Leo), and A280/SoloVPE analyses.
• Execute method fit-for-purpose studies and support drafting/revision of test methods.
• Qualify and bridge critical reagents and maintain reagent inventory.
• Record experimental plans/results in Benchling; troubleshoot instrumentation and assay variability; report results clearly.

Skills

Lab experience

ELISA

Bradford assay

GFP analysis

Capillary Western

HPLC/CE-SDS

Data analysis

Benchling

Tecan EVO

Biomolecule characterization

Education

Bachelor's in Biology or Chemistry

MS in Pharma/Biotech related field

Tools

Benchling

Tecan EVO

Biomek

Job description

Duties:
Independently performs complex laboratory studies, analyzes data, troubleshoots methods and supports development activities.

Client is looking for a highly skilled, motivated, and talented contractor to join the Vaccine Product Development organization as a Senior Associate Scientist (contract) within Protein Development and Clinical Manufacturing.

The contractor will play a key role in executing and maintaining the plate-based analytical methods that measure protein concentration and quality for cell-free protein synthesis raw materials and in-process intermediates. The successful candidate will be the primary operator for the lysate ELISA and Bradford assays, support method qualification and critical reagent management, and apply these methods to process characterization studies.

This position is for a scientific role which will be lab based, and will require excellent scientific judgment, independence, precise and consistent data generation and thorough record keeping.

Skills:
10+ years laboratory experience

• Perform sandwich ELISA (RNA synthetase and RNA polymerase lysates) and Bradford total protein assays on raw material lysates and in-process samples to support process characterization and process development studies.
• Perform additional protein analysis as needed, including GFP activity assays, Capillary Western (Jess and Leo), and A280/SoloVPE.
• Execute method fit-for-purpose studies (accuracy, repeatability, intermediate precision) and support drafting and revision of test methods.
• Qualify and bridge critical reagents (antibodies, reference standards, assay controls) and maintain reagent inventory.
• Maintain good documentation practices for recording experimental plans and results in the electronic lab notebook (Benchling) and associated reports.
• Assist in troubleshooting of instrumentation, assay variability, and test results.
• Participate in group meetings, present results of work, interpret data, and report results in an accurate manner.
• Work with lab automation to create high throughput methods leveraging liquid handling and robotic technologies, including automated ELISA on the Tecan EVO.
• Work in collaboration with other scientists/SMEs to design experiments, train backup analysts, and advance more powerful analytical techniques.

Education:
BS in Biology/Chemistry or related field
BS. in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field with minimum 5 years relevant industry experience; MS with minimum 3 years industry experience in Pharma/Biotech industry required.
Strong technical understanding in analytical chemistry and biochemistry. Hands-on proficiency with plate-based immunoassays (ELISA) and colorimetric protein assays (e.g., Bradford, BCA); experience with HPLC, CE-SDS, or Western blotting is a plus.
Experience with method qualification or validation activities, and accurate data analysis and interpretation of experimental results related to process characterization.
Ability to think critically and demonstrate troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
Maintain accurate records of experimental procedures, results and conclusion in compliance with regulatory guidelines.
Team player, proactive and willing to work in a collaborative team environment.
Scientific creativity and curiosity for applying new technologies to complex analytical challenges; experience with liquid-handler programming (Tecan, Biomek) preferred.

Pay range: 70-90/hr DOE