What are the responsibilities and job description for the Protein Purification Scientist position at Tox Tech?
About Us: Tox Tech is an analytical laboratory that has been in business since the mid-1980’s. We specialize in the production and purification of biological products along with providing testing and research services surrounding bacterial and mycotoxins. Our biological products are used to advance scientific knowledge within governmental agencies, academic institutions, and industrial companies worldwide. Our focus is on providing scientists, world-wide, with research products and services that lead to a safer world through vaccine development, immune function discoveries, curing disease diagnostic reagents and consultative guidance.
Job Title: Protein Purification Scientist
ÄKTA FPLC UNICORN Process Development
We are seeking an applied Protein Purification Scientist to develop, optimize, and execute protein purification processes in a small biotechnology manufacturing laboratory. This role requires working knowledge and experience using ÄKTA FPLC systems and UNICORN software. The ideal candidate possesses acumen to design and troubleshoot purification methods independently.
Key Responsibilities
- Purification process development: Develop, optimize, troubleshoot, and scale multi-step purification methods for native bacterial- and plant-derived proteins.
- Chromatography: Select and apply appropriate resins, columns, buffers, gradients, and operating parameters for ion exchange (CEX/AEX), hydrophobic interaction (HIC), size exclusion (SEC), and affinity chromatography.
- ÄKTA/UNICORN operation and process evaluation: Operate ÄKTA Avant FPLC systems, perform system preparation and cleaning, and complete routine maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Process evaluation: Evaluate chromatograms for peaks of interest, identify fractions associated with each peak and perform SDS – PAGE and ELISA assays of peaks, assess recovery, purity, capacity, reproducibility, and process performance; identify root causes of poor separation or yield and recommend improvements.
- Column and resin: Pack columns, prepare and maintain custom affinity resins, immobilize antigens when needed, evaluate column performance and dynamic binding capacity.
- Assays and documentation: Perform ELISA assays and other routine QC testing; maintain accurate laboratory records, equipment logs, and experimental data; assist with SOP development and revision.
- General laboratory support: Prepare buffers and samples, aliquot and label materials, clean equipment, maintain inventory, and help keep the laboratory organized and audit ready.
- Quality and safety: Follow established safety, quality, and manufacturing procedures and collaborate with other production and quality-control personnel.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, chemistry, biotechnology, microbiology, or a related scientific field.
- At least 3 years proven protein purification experience, using, but not limited to, ÄKTA FPLC systems and UNICORN software. Candidate will be able to demonstrate development, optimization and troubleshooting experience.
- Working knowledge of multiple chromatography modes and protein characterization or QC methods.
- Direct experience performing ELISA assays.
- Ability to work independently, solve problems, manage priorities, and complete routine laboratory tasks as part of a small team.
- Strong attention to detail, documentation, organization, and communication skills.
- Ability to pass a federal background check, required by the CDC for select agent handling.
Preferred Experience
- Protein purification in a biotechnology manufacturing, process-development, or regulated laboratory environment.
- Purification of native proteins, antibodies, antigens, or other complex biological products.
- Method transfer, scale-up, column lifetime studies, or purification process validation/verification.
Position Details
- Job type: Full-time
- Work location: In person
- Benefits: Health insurance and paid time off
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
Salary : $61,000 - $86,000