Scientist Analytical Chemistry - Biologics

Location: Worcester, MA 01605 • Duration: 3+ months (contract with possibility of extension based on performance and business needs)

About the role

This role supports the Advanced Characterization Group (ACG) within Analytical Development and is tied to a specific project. The primary day-to-day need is chromatography/separation and fractionation, with particular emphasis on AKTA. The candidate should be able to become productive quickly with minimal training. Hands-on chromatography experience is a hard requirement; candidates without direct chromatography/separation experience will not be considered. Direct AKTA experience is highly valuable because it will significantly reduce the learning curve. Strong HPLC/UPLC experience can also be relevant.

The work involves separation of size and charge variants, collection of fractions from chromatographic peaks, and downstream characterization of those fractions. Biologics/large-molecule experience is strongly preferred; candidates with only pure small-molecule analytical experience are not preferred. CRO and academic candidates can be considered when their hands-on experience directly aligns with chromatography, fractionation, AKTA, HPLC/UPLC, and biologics characterization.

The hiring team is looking for someone capable of handling complex laboratory work independently, rather than a junior candidate who requires extensive training. Experience with Waters or Agilent HPLC systems is a strong positive screening indicator. Attention to detail, precision, reliability, and accurate experimental documentation are important indicators of fit. Relocation is acceptable, but candidates outside the Worcester area must be able to relocate at their own expense and without a lengthy delay.

Responsibilities

• Perform mass spectrometry analyses (i.e., intact/reduced mass analysis by LC-MS and peptide mapping by LC-MS) of biologics to provide sequence verification and post-translational modification profiles.
• Independently perform separation methods (e.g., fractionation & analysis of variants) using HPLC and AKTA.
• Perform biophysical methods (e.g., DSC) of biologics to support characterization studies.
• Design and execute experiments for method development and/or investigations.
• Support process development by performing raw material analysis using vibrational spectroscopy and executing metabolomics experiments using mass spectrometry.
• Generate and communicate precise, reliable, and reproducible data in a timely manner.
• Organize and document experiments and results in an electronic laboratory notebook.
• Draft protocols, method development reports, and technical characterization reports.
• Maintain lab equipment.

Requirements

• Bachelors or Masters in chemistry, biology, biochemistry or related technical discipline with typically 5+ (BS) or 2+ (MS) years of relevant experience in biotech/pharmaceutical industry setting.
• Hands-on experience with protein mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis and protein biophysical characterization.
• Knowledge of HPLC or AKTA instrumentation.
• Fundamental understanding of protein structure, post-translational modifications, and analytical methods used for protein characterization.
• Working knowledge of bioinformatics tools to process and analyze mass spectrometry data is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of vibrational spectroscopy (e.g., IR, NIR and Raman) and multivariate analysis is desirable.
• Proficient with Windows 10 and MS Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint).
• Excellent written communication, oral communication, organization, and multitasking skills.
• Hardworking and motivated to drive both efficiency and quality.
• Understand and adhere to corporate standards regarding code of conduct, safety, and appropriate handling of materials.

Top Must Skills

• Perform separation assays such as HPLC/UPLC chromatography.
• Perform fractionation using AKTA.
• Perform LC-MS experiments on intact protein.
• Fundamental understanding of protein structure, post-translational modifications, and analytical methods used for protein characterization.
• Excellent written communication, oral communication, organization, and multitasking skills.

Pay

$50.00 to $60.00 per hour

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Short-term disability insurance
• Paid parking/public transportation
• Paid time off, paid sick and safe time, hours of paid vacation time, weeks of paid parental leave, paid holidays annually (subject to applicable eligibility)