Sr Research Associate I

Job Title: Sr Research Associate I
Location: San Rafael, CA
Type: Contract
Compensation: $39-$42.93
Work Model: Onsite 
Hours: 40.0 hours per week

Overview
Leading biotechnology company looking for an experienced Sr. Research Associate I. Ideal candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline with 4–6 years of relevant industry experience OR a Master's degree with 2–4 years of relevant industry experience.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform purification of recombinant enzymes and other therapeutic biologics, including proteins, antibodies, and peptides, using ÄKTA Pure and ÄKTA Avant chromatography systems.
• Execute and optimize purification workflows including affinity chromatography, ion exchange chromatography (AEX/CEX), size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC), desalting, and buffer exchange.
• Perform concentration and buffer exchange using tangential-flow filtration (TFF), ultrafiltration/diafiltration (UF/DF), or centrifugal filtration.
• Evaluate purification performance and recommend process improvements to enhance yield, purity, and recovery.
• Troubleshoot chromatography, filtration, and purification processes with minimal supervision.
• Prepare buffers, reagents, and chromatography columns according to established procedures.
• Perform routine instrument checks, preventative maintenance, and basic troubleshooting of purification equipment.
• Perform analytical assays to assess purity, identity, concentration, and quality of biologics, including SDS-PAGE, CE-SDS, SEC-HPLC, RP-HPLC, UV/Vis spectrophotometry, and additional protein and peptide analytical methods.
• Interpret analytical data to support purification process optimization and project decision-making.
• Analyze experimental results using GraphPad Prism, JMP, Microsoft Excel, or similar software.
• Communicate experimental findings through technical summaries, presentations, and discussions with cross-functional project teams.
• Support analytical method development, qualification, or technology transfer activities as needed.
• Maintain accurate and complete electronic and/or paper laboratory notebooks.
• Follow established SOPs and document deviations with guidance.
• Communicate results, observations, and progress updates clearly within the team.
• Contribute to a safe, clean, and well-organized laboratory environment in compliance with COMPANY safety standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline with 4–6 years of relevant industry experience, or Master's degree with 2–4 years of relevant industry experience.
• Demonstrated experience purifying recombinant enzymes, proteins, antibodies, or peptide therapeutics.
• Hands-on experience operating ÄKTA Pure, ÄKTA Avant, or equivalent FPLC chromatography systems.
• Experience with protein analytical techniques including SEC-HPLC, RP-HPLC, CE-SDS, SDS-PAGE, and UV/Vis spectroscopy.
• Experience with tangential-flow filtration (TFF) and ultrafiltration/diafiltration (UF/DF) is preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Experience with electronic laboratory notebooks (Benchling or similar) and data analysis software such as GraphPad Prism or JMP.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present technical data effectively.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining high-quality scientific documentation.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary research teams.

System One, and its subsidiaries including Joulé and Mountain Ltd., are leaders in delivering outsourced services and workforce solutions across North America. We help clients get work done more efficiently and economically, without compromising quality. System One not only serves as a valued partner for our clients, but we offer eligible employees health and welfare benefits coverage options including medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan.

System One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, family care or medical leave status, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.