Senior Research Associate V
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 11, 2026. First seen by Alion on Nov 11, 2026. Planet Pharma scores B on the Alion truth index.
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