Associate Scientist I

The Associate Scientist I will support activities related to biologics/vaccine development programs and is an entry-to-early-career laboratory role responsible for executing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and supporting ongoing research projects under the guidance of senior scientific staff and is ideal for an early-career scientist seeking hands-on experience in a fast-paced analytical laboratory environment. This position will require >=80% time in the lab and this person will be able to independently follow experimental procedures and compile results in written and presentation formats. Essential Functions: - Perform routine and non-routine laboratory experiments following established protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs) - Accurately record, organize, and analyze experimental data; summarize results in reports and presentations - Maintain detailed and compliant laboratory notebooks (electronic or physical) - Assist in the design and optimization of experimental methods and assays - Operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory equipment and instrumentation - Order and manage laboratory supplies, reagents, and materials - Ensure compliance with safety regulations, GLP/GMP standards, and institutional policies - Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., R&D, QA/QC, Regulatory Affairs) to support project timelines - Present findings at team meetings and contribute to internal reports or scientific publications - Troubleshoot experimental issues and propose solutions to senior team members - Stay current with relevant scientific literature and emerging techniques in the field

Client is seeking an Associate Scientist I (Contract), Research, to support the development of a novel bacterial polysaccharide conjugate vaccine. This role will contribute to conjugation, downstream polysaccharide and protein purification and processing, and analytical characterization of polysaccharides, proteins, and polysaccharide-protein conjugates.

The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of conjugation, column chromatography, tangential flow filtration, and related analytical principles, supported by hands-on laboratory experience. The successful candidate will independently execute laboratory experiments following established protocols and standard operating procedures, with guidance on experimental design, troubleshooting, and interpretation. This individual will also support analytical development, stability studies, and process optimization as needed.

Essential Functions

• Prepare buffers and reagents and support routine laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance and laboratory organization.
• Set up and execute multistep polysaccharide-protein conjugation reactions using click chemistry and other relevant chemistries.
• Purify and process polysaccharides, proteins, and their conjugates using methods such as organic solvent extraction, acid treatment, dialysis, FPLC chromatography, tangential flow filtration (TFF), and microfluidization.
• Characterize proteins, polysaccharides, and their conjugates using SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, ELISA, colorimetric assays, and chromatography-based methods.
• Contribute to the development and optimization of protocols, assays, and laboratory procedures under the guidance of experienced scientists, including evaluating polysaccharide activation chemistries and their effects on conjugation.
• Collect and analyze experimental data, summarize results, and discuss observations and potential next steps with the team.
• Follow established protocol to detail and maintain accurate, complete, and organized laboratory records in Benchling to support data integrity, traceability, and reproducibility.
• Present experimental results and progress updates at team meetings and contribute to laboratory protocols and development reports.
• Collaborate with colleagues and external partners to support shared project goals and a productive, inclusive team environment.

Skills:

1-3 years of relevant laboratory experience (academic, internship, or industry) Hands-on experience with techniques such as biochemical assays, ELISA, cell culture, chromatography, spectroscopy, or other role-specific methods is preferred Experience working in a regulated laboratory environment (GLP, GMP, or CLIA) I preferred

* Proficiency in fundamental laboratory techniques, including aseptic sample handling, precision pipetting, SDS-PAGE, and Western blotting.

* Foundational understanding of protein and polysaccharide chemistry, purification processes, and analytical assay principles.

* Experience with purification methods such as dialysis, diafiltration, FPLC chromatography, and tangential flow filtration (TFF) is highly desirable.

* Experience with conjugation chemistry and analytical methods such as colorimetric-based plate assays, ELISA, and chromatography-based characterization is a plus.

* Ability to independently follow established protocols, recognize unexpected results, and seek guidance when needed.

* Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to accurate documentation.

* Ability to support laboratory management, including coordination with vendors and service providers for equipment maintenance and service contracts.

* Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across functions and contribute to shared project goals.

* Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

* Availability to work full-time, with on-site attendance four to five days per week at our San Carlos office.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline with 0-2 relevant laboratory experience in analytical development, QC, or related field. Other combinations of education and/or experience may be considered.

B.S. in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related discipline, with more than one year of relevant industry experience, or a B.S. with at least two relevant internships or comparable laboratory experiences.

Pay range: 24-34/hr DOE