Job title: Associate Scientist
Location: 100% onsite South San Francisco, CA 94080
Duration: 12 Months (Possibility of extension depending upon business requirements and performance)
  
The ideal candidate will have at least 2 years of hands-on laboratory experience in either academic or industry settings, with strong experience in protein purification techniques. Experience working with AKTA systems is highly preferred. Candidates should demonstrate strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to work effectively within a collaborative scientific team environment. This is a fully onsite role requiring daily presence in the South San Francisco lab. The team is seeking someone dependable, adaptable, and capable of balancing laboratory execution with documentation responsibilities in a fast-paced research setting.
 
Description:
The Associate Scientist will support membrane protein purification, and general laboratory operations within a collaborative research environment. The individual will contribute to multiple projects by executing established laboratory protocols, maintaining accurate experimental records, and supporting protein production workflows.
 
Key Responsibilities:

• Perform membrane protein purification, including cell lysis and membrane pellet preparation
• Conduct affinity chromatography using anti-FLAG, Strep-Tactin, and Ni-NTA purification systems
• Operate AKTA chromatography systems for protein purification workflows
• Run and analyze SDS-PAGE gels and western blots
• Perform protein concentration analysis using spectrophotometry and colorimetric assays
• Utilize HPLC methods for protein quality control
• Maintain detailed laboratory documentation and experimental records
• Support inventory management, reagent preparation, and laboratory organization
• Manage storage and tracking of protein inventories

 
Basic Qualifications:

• Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Bachelor of Science degree in a scientific discipline
• Minimum of 2 years of laboratory experience in academic or industry settings
• Hands-on experience with standard molecular biology and biochemistry laboratory techniques
• Proficiency with micropipetting, centrifuges, balances, pH meters, and related laboratory equipment
• Strong understanding of sterile technique and mammalian cell culture practices
• Ability to follow established protocols with strong attention to detail
• Effective written and verbal communication skills

 
Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with membrane protein purification
• Familiarity with AKTA chromatography systems
• Experience culturing mammalian cells
• Knowledge of protein characterization and analytical techniques

 
Basic Qualifications:
Masters degree OR Bachelors degree and 2 years of experience OR Associate?s degree and 4 years of experience OR High school diploma / GED and 6 years of experience
 
Top 3 Must Have Skill Sets:
1. Hands-on Laboratory Experience

• Minimum 2 years of laboratory experience in a scientific setting
• Strong proficiency in micropipetting, sample preparation, SDS-PAGE, buffer preparation, and operation of standard laboratory equipment

 
2. Protein Purification and Analytical Techniques

• Experience with membrane protein purification workflows and chromatography methods
• Familiarity with AKTA purification systems, affinity chromatography, western blotting, and protein characterization assays
• Ability to perform and interpret basic protein QC analyses

 
3. Attention to Detail and Communication

• Ability to follow established laboratory protocols accurately and consistently
• Strong documentation, organizational, and data-recording skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills within a collaborative research environment

 
Day to Day Responsibilities:

• Perform membrane protein purification activities including cell lysis, membrane preparation, affinity purification, and chromatography workflows
• Operate AKTA chromatography systems and related laboratory instrumentation for protein purification and analysis
• Conduct SDS-PAGE, western blotting, spectrophotometry, HPLC, and other protein characterization assays
• Prepare laboratory reagents, buffers, and samples according to established protocols
• Accurately document experimental procedures, observations, and results in laboratory records and electronic systems
• Monitor laboratory inventory, organize consumables, and support routine laboratory maintenance activities
• Collaborate with scientists and cross-functional team members to support project timelines and research priorities
• Follow safety guidelines, sterile techniques, and laboratory compliance standards in all daily activities

 
Possible Extension:
Yes
 
Red Flags:
N/A
 
Interview Process:
Hiring Manager Interview

• Review of hands-on laboratory experience
• Technical discussion focused on protein purification, cell culture, SDS-PAGE, western blotting, and chromatography workflows
• Assessment of problem-solving ability, attention to detail, and communication skills

 
Team/Panel Interview (if applicable)
 

• Discussion with scientists or team members regarding collaboration and laboratory operations
• Evaluation of fit within a fast-paced research environment
• Potential scenario-based or troubleshooting questions related to laboratory workflows

 
 
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: $ 25.47/hr.