Scientist III, Protein Purification

About the role

Join a team performing all tasks related to protein purification in a controlled manufacturing laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Purify protein products in a laboratory setting in accordance with standard operating procedures and controlled manufacturing documentation.
• Utilize laboratory techniques, calculations, materials measurement, equipment operation, and accurate record-keeping.
• Perform column purification/chromatography, tangential flow filtration (TFF), buffer preparation, SDS-PAGE analysis, Western blotting, and other protein characterization techniques.
• Operate Cytiva ÄKTA FPLC systems using UNICORN software and Bio-Rad NGC chromatography systems.
• Apply specialized technical knowledge of protein purification and chromatography to make detailed observations, analyze process data, evaluate chromatograms, and ensure processes are operating within established parameters.
• Independently identify and troubleshoot process, equipment, and product-related issues and recommend appropriate technical solutions.
• Maintain accurate Batch Data Records, laboratory notebooks, work orders, equipment records, and other required documentation.
• Maintain equipment, materials, product inventories, and related records as assigned.
• Author and revise technical documents, including standard operating procedures and manufacturing batch records, within the requirements of the Quality Management System.
• Lead or substantially contribute to process improvement activities to improve product quality, yield, process robustness, and productivity.
• Serve as a technical resource and provide guidance and training to less-experienced team members on protein purification processes and equipment.
• Comply with all company safety procedures, Quality Management System requirements, and EH&S programs and maintain knowledge of Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for relevant materials.
• May perform other related duties as required and/or assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or another related discipline required.
• A Master’s degree in a relevant field is preferred.
• 5+ years of work experience in protein purification within a manufacturing environment or R&D laboratory.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with Cytiva ÄKTA FPLC systems and UNICORN software and/or Bio-Rad NGC chromatography systems.
• Extensive experience with multiple chromatography modes, including affinity, ion-exchange, size-exclusion, and hydrophobic interaction chromatography, with a strong understanding of protein/resin interactions.
• Demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot protein purification processes and resolve technical problems using scientific principles and data analysis.
• Experience with tangential flow filtration (TFF) and other downstream protein processing techniques.
• Experience in executing validation or qualification protocols is preferred.
• Experience working within a Quality Management System; experience with ISO 9001 and/or GMP environments is strongly preferred.

Qualifications

• Strong theoretical and practical understanding of protein chemistry, chromatography methods, and protein purification techniques.
• Demonstrated scientific troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to independently execute scientific procedures, analyze results, and identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Results-oriented and data-driven with excellent attention to detail and documentation practices.
• Proactive approach that anticipates needs and problems while developing effective solutions.
• Strong collaborative and communication skills with the ability to provide technical guidance and influence others without direct authority.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively in a manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing-related computer software preferred.
• Intermediate Excel skills.

Skills

• Strong theoretical and practical understanding of protein chemistry, chromatography methods, and protein purification techniques.
• Demonstrated scientific troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to independently execute scientific procedures, analyze results, and identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Results-oriented and data-driven with excellent attention to detail and documentation practices.
• Proactive approach that anticipates needs and problems while developing effective solutions.
• Strong collaborative and communication skills with the ability to provide technical guidance and influence others without direct authority.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively in a manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing-related computer software preferred.
• Intermediate Excel skills.

Benefits

• Competitive remuneration.
• Annual incentive plan bonus.
• Healthcare.
• A range of employee benefits.

Pay

The salary range estimated for this position based in California is $83,300.00–$100,000.00.

Schedule

Standard (Mon-Fri)

Benefits

• Healthcare.
• Employee assistance and family support programs.
• Accident and life insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability.
• Retail 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan.
• Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).