Associate Scientist II – Research (Analytical Development) (Biotechnology)

Location: San Carlos, California, US; at least 4 days onsite per week

Company

hirify.global is a life sciences recruiting and consulting firm connecting professionals with pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and diagnostics organizations.

What you will do

• Perform analytical characterization of proteins, polysaccharides, and polysaccharide-protein conjugates using established laboratory methods.
• Execute HPLC, SEC-MALS, CE-SDS, cIEF, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, ELISA, and plate-based assays including BCA, Lowry, PicoGreen, anthrone, and residual DNA testing.
• Support analytical method development, optimization, qualification, and transfer for biologics and vaccine development programs.
• Independently conduct routine and non-routine experiments, analyze data, troubleshoot assay performance, and communicate findings.
• Maintain ELN records, prepare protocols, SOPs, and technical reports, and present results to scientific teams.
• Support laboratory operations, including sample coordination, inventory, reagent preparation, procurement, instrument maintenance, and cross-functional collaboration.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related discipline with at least 4 years of relevant industry experience, or a related master’s degree with 0–2 years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong hands-on experience with biochemical and biomolecular analytical techniques, including proficiency with HPLC, SEC-MALS, and plate-based analytical assays.
• Experience with protein characterization techniques such as SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, and ELISA; familiarity with BCA, Lowry, PicoGreen, or anthrone assays.
• Strong understanding of chemistry, biochemistry, and analytical laboratory principles.
• Ability to independently execute protocols, analyze results, troubleshoot methods, maintain accurate records, and prepare technical documentation.
• Strong organization, communication, and ability to manage multiple laboratory activities and priorities.
• Ability to work effectively within cross-functional scientific teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard laboratory data management tools.

Nice to have

• Experience supporting biologics, pharmaceutical, or vaccine development programs, particularly polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccines.
• Experience with CE-SDS, cIEF, or other advanced protein characterization methods.
• Experience developing, optimizing, transferring, or troubleshooting analytical assays, including qualification and technical reporting.
• Familiarity with GLP or GMP-regulated environments.
• Experience with monoclonal antibodies, external CRO materials, electronic laboratory notebooks, and scientific data analysis software.

Culture & Benefits

• Full-time contract for approximately 12 months, with an anticipated start date of January 18, 2027, and estimated end date of January 17, 2028.
• Monday–Friday, 40 hours per week, with at least four days onsite and approximately 80% or more of the time dedicated to hands-on laboratory activities.
• Collaborative research environment supporting biologics and vaccine development.
• Work according to laboratory safety procedures, good documentation practices, and applicable quality standards.

Hiring process

• Submit an updated resume highlighting experience with HPLC, SEC-MALS, biochemical analytical assays, protein characterization, and pharmaceutical or biotechnology research.
• Qualified candidates will be contacted regarding next steps.