Associate Scientist
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 7, 2026. First seen by Alion on Nov 4, 2026. Planet Pharma scores B on the Alion truth index.
Target PR Range: 19-26/hr DOE
The ideal candidate is an early-to-mid-career scientist with several years of hands-on protein-related laboratory experience. They have worked directly with protein purification, protein analytics, or both and can speak confidently about the work they personally performed.
They don’t need to check every technical box. For example, a candidate with excellent protein analytics experience but lighter purification experience could still be a strong fit, provided they have the scientific foundation and willingness to learn the purification side-or vice versa.
The strongest candidates will be able to clearly explain their experiments, techniques, troubleshooting, results, and individual contributions during the interview. Communication and the ability to answer technical questions effectively are important differentiators.
The Protein Therapeutics (PT) group is seeking a highly motivated Associate Scientist to join the Protein Chemistry team at our state-of-the-art research facility in Thousand Oaks, CA. PT is a multidisciplinary team with broad capabilities in protein engineering, expression, purification, and characterization.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in biochemistry and hands-on experience with protein purification and analytics, using various preparative and analytical chromatography techniques in a lab-based environment. Proficiency with lab software such as Unicorn, Chromeleon, or ChromeLab is preferred, along with familiarity with lab automation and high-throughput purification workflows.
They should demonstrate strong troubleshooting skills, attention to detail, and robust data handling capabilities, as well as excellent communication skills suited to a fast-paced laboratory setting. Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least 3 years of relevant experience or a master’s degree with at least 1 year experience. This is a full-time, onsite position in Thousand Oaks, operating during standard business hours for a minimum duration of 1 year. Applicants without experience in protein purification or protein analytics will not be considered.
Preferred Qualifications:
* Experience with protein purification with expertise in a variety of chromatography techniques (affinity, ion-exchange, size-exclusion, etc.) and software (Unicorn, ChromLab)
* Experience with protein analytical techniques (HPLC, MCE, etc.) and analysis software (Chromeleon, LabChip)
* Experience with data management and/or analysis platform, software or tools is a plus
* Ability to multi-task, work flexibly and efficiently in a cross-functional environment
* Attention to detail; strong communication and interpersonal skills