Associate Scientist

Job Title: Associate Scientist

Location: Oceanside, CA

Duration: 12 Months Contract

Pay rate: $40/hr – 56/hr on W2

Position Summary

• We are seeking a highly motivated Associate Scientist to support purification process development during pivotal and commercial development phases.
• This contract role focuses on high‑throughput purification of upstream/cell culture samples and supports downstream purification characterization studies.
• A core part of this role is the development and optimization of high‑throughput purification assays using state‑of‑the‑art automation platforms (e.g., Tecan, Hamilton).
• The ideal candidate brings strong hands‑on laboratory skills, deep familiarity with HTP purification methods, and the ability to establish, troubleshoot, and refine automated workflows.

Key Responsibilities

• High‑Throughput Purification & Automation
• Execute high‑throughput purification (HTP) workflows for upstream/cell culture samples to support process characterization.
• Operate, optimize, and maintain automated liquid handling systems such as Hamilton and Tecan platforms.
• Develop, qualify, and refine HTP purification assays and microscale purification methods.
• Collaborate with upstream teams to ensure timely sample processing and data delivery.

Purification Process Development

• Contribute to experimental design and execute purification process development and characterization experiments.
• Conduct bench‑scale purification studies using chromatography, filtration, and microscale systems.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data in compliance with data integrity expectations.
• Prepare high‑quality protocols, reports, and electronic laboratory notebook documentation.

Technical Excellence & Collaboration

• Support implementation of new purification technologies, instrumentation, and platform enhancements.
• Maintain a state‑of‑the‑art purification lab, including instrumentation readiness and workflow improvements.
• Partner with upstream, downstream, and cross‑functional colleagues as needed on development and characterization initiatives.
• Follow all compliance, training, and safety requirements.

Qualifications / Skills / Experience

• M.S. with 2+ years or B.S. with 4+ years of relevant industry experience in chemical engineering, biochemistry, bioengineering, or related discipline.
• Expertise developing and executing HTP purification assays, including automated liquid handling systems such as Tecan, Hamilton, and microscale chromatography platforms.
• Experience with chromatography (e.g., AKTA, plate‑based), filtration, and standard downstream techniques.
• Strong analytical, documentation, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work both independently and in collaborative, fast‑paced environments.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills

If you have any questions, feel free to call me on (415) 322-5419 or send an email on akarsh.yathiraj@leadstackinc.com