(CW) Research Associate (Contract/Temporary)

About the role

The Therapeutics Process Development & Characterization (TPDC) group is seeking a highly motivated Temporary Senior Research Associate I to support biologics purification and analytical characterization, with a primary focus on recombinant enzymes and additional exposure to therapeutic proteins, antibodies, and peptide-based modalities.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform purification of recombinant enzymes and other therapeutic biologics, including proteins, antibodies, and peptides, using ÄKTA Pure and ÄKTA Avant chromatography systems.
• Execute and optimize purification workflows including:
• Affinity chromatography
• Ion exchange chromatography (AEX/CEX)
• Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC)
• Hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC)
• Desalting and buffer exchange
• Analyse purification performance and recommend process improvements to enhance yield, purity, and recovery.
• Troubleshoot chromatography, filtration, and purification processes with minimal supervision.
• Prepare buffers, reagents, and chromatography columns according to established procedures.
• Perform routine instrument checks, preventative maintenance, and basic troubleshooting of purification equipment.
• Perform analytical assays to assess purity, identity, concentration, and quality of biologics, including:
• SDS-PAGE
• CE-SDS
• SEC-HPLC
• RP-HPLC
• UV/Vis spectrophotometry
• Interpret analytical data to support purification process optimization and project decision-making.
• Communicate experimental findings through technical summaries, presentations, and discussions with cross-functional project teams.
• Support analytical method development, qualification, or technology transfer activities as needed.

Requirements

• Maintain accurate and complete electronic and/or paper laboratory notebooks.
• Follow established SOPs and document deviations with guidance.
• Communicate results, observations, and progress updates clearly within the team.
• Contribute to a safe, clean, and well-organized laboratory environment in compliance with BioMarin safety standards.

Qualifications

• Senior Research Associate I: Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline with 4–6 years of relevant industry experience, or Master's degree in a related scientific discipline with 2–4 years of relevant industry experience.
• Demonstrated experience purifying recombinant enzymes, proteins, antibodies, or peptide therapeutics.
• Hands-on experience operating ÄKTA Pure, ÄKTA Avant, or equivalent FPLC chromatography systems.
• Experience with protein analytical techniques including SEC-HPLC, RP-HPLC, CE-SDS, SDS-PAGE, and UV/Vis spectroscopy.
• Experience with tangential-flow filtration (TFF) and ultrafiltration/diafiltration (UF/DF) is preferred.

Skills

• Experience in protein purification and biologics characterization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Experience with electronic laboratory notebooks (Benchling or similar) and data analysis software such as GraphPad Prism or JMP.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present technical data effectively.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining high-quality scientific documentation.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary research teams.