Associate Scientist I – Research (Biotechnology)

Location: San Carlos, California, US; onsite attendance required approximately four to five days per week

Contract duration: Approximately 12 months

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 routine and non-routine laboratory experiments according to established protocols and SOPs, and prepare buffers, reagents, and materials.
• Execute polysaccharide-protein conjugation reactions using click chemistry and related techniques.
• Purify and process polysaccharides, proteins, and conjugates using FPLC, tangential flow filtration, dialysis, diafiltration, organic solvent extraction, acid treatment, and microfluidization.
• Characterize proteins, polysaccharides, and conjugates using SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, ELISA, colorimetric assays, and chromatography-based methods.
• Support analytical development, stability studies, process optimization, and evaluation of polysaccharide activation chemistries.
• Analyze and communicate experimental results, maintain electronic laboratory records in Benchling, operate and troubleshoot equipment, support laboratory operations, and collaborate with R&D, Quality, Regulatory, and other teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
• At least one year of relevant industry laboratory experience, or two relevant internships or comparable laboratory experiences; equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Hands-on experience with precision pipetting, sample preparation, and biochemical assays.
• Familiarity with SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, chromatography, or other protein characterization methods.
• Foundational understanding of protein and polysaccharide chemistry, purification processes, and analytical testing.
• Ability to independently follow established procedures and accurately document laboratory results.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational and scientific problem-solving skills, effective written and verbal communication, and ability to collaborate in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Nice to have

• Experience with vaccine development, biologics research, or pharmaceutical R&D.
• Hands-on experience with polysaccharide-protein conjugation or click chemistry.
• Experience with FPLC chromatography, tangential flow filtration, dialysis, or diafiltration.
• Familiarity with ELISA, colorimetric plate-based assays, chromatography-based characterization, Benchling, or other electronic laboratory notebook systems.
• Experience with protein purification, polysaccharide processing, downstream development, GLP, GMP, or another regulated laboratory environment.
• Exposure to analytical method development, stability testing, or process optimization.

Culture & Benefits

• Full-time, laboratory-based onsite work in San Carlos, California.
• Monday–Friday schedule, 40 hours per week.
• Approximately 80% or more of working time involves hands-on laboratory activities.
• Work alongside experienced research and development professionals and cross-functional scientific teams.
• Contract duration is approximately 12 months, with an anticipated start date of November 30, 2026.

Hiring process

• Submit an updated resume directly to the recruiting team.
• Highlight laboratory experience, analytical techniques, protein purification methods, and relevant biotechnology or pharmaceutical research experience.