Title: Associate Scientist - Biology I Location: Biologics Pilot Lab – Foster City, CA Duration: 12 months Schedule: Onsite (Occasional weekend hours will be required)
Description:
About the Role
Join our Biologics Pilot Lab and contribute directly to the development, scaleup, and pilot-scale production of early and late-stage biologic programs. In this role, you will execute downstream purification operations, support upstream activities as needed, and help advance programs that are central to client biologics pipeline. This position is ideal for candidates who are hands-on in the lab, collaborative, and excited to work on fast moving development efforts.
About the Team
You will join a team of seven scientists responsible for producing pilot-scale biological products that support biologics programs, trouble shooting and improving processes. The team implements new technologies to enhance operational capability, capacity, and efficiency across the site.
Key Responsibilities
Technical & Operational
Plan and execute downstream purification and scale-up activities including filtration, chromatography, and buffer preparation.
Support upstream operations as needed to ensure seamless end-to-end process execution.
Monitor, analyze, and interpret process and performance data; prepare clear summaries of findings as appropriate.
Maintain laboratory readiness, including equipment maintenance, analytical instrument upkeep, consumable inventory management, and general lab support.
Communication & Collaboration
Present data, results, and conclusions in group meetings and cross functional discussions.
Communicate technical information clearly and effectively to colleagues at varying levels.
Work with a team-oriented, collaborative, and solutions-focused mindset.
Maintain a strong safety focus in all laboratories and pilot operations.
Required Qualifications
Hands-on experience with downstream purification operations, including centrifugation, chromatography, TFF, and depth filtration.
Proficiency with AKTA systems and UNICORN programming.
Practical experience in chromatography column operations, including resin packing and unpacking at various scales (e.g. 4.4 to 30 cm internal diameter columns).
Strong verbal communication, technical writing, and documentation skills.
Ability to work effectively in cross functional teams and in a dynamic environment.
Self-motivated, organized, and comfortable with scientific problem solving.---
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in pilot plant operations for biologics in a single-use facility.
Familiarity with Process Development and/or current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), technology transfer, plant operations, and bioprocess scaleup principles.
Education
AA/AS degree with 2+ years of relevant industry experience (purification techniques), or
BS/BE in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biology, or related discipline with 1+ year of relevant experience.
Work Requirements This is a 100% onsite role in Foster City, CA. Occasional weekend work required to support pilot-scale biologics operations. Reason for Opening: Increased business needs and workload when FTEs are not available to meet timelines.
Interview Process
Initial Zoom screening, followed by 1:1 interview with the hiring manager and 1–2 team members.
Onsite Offsite
Onsite
Applicant Notices & Disclaimers
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At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws. This position’s starting pay is: $ 41.22/hr.
