Research Associate

About the Role

Seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Associate to support early-stage process development activities within Cell Line Development (CLD) and Upstream Process Development (USP). This role involves assisting in designing, executing, and optimizing experiments focused on developing stable producer cell lines and upstream manufacturing processes for recombinant biologics and viral vectors, including adeno-associated virus (AAV).

Key Responsibilities

Cell Culture & Upstream Process Development

• Maintain, expand, and scale up mammalian cell cultures using aseptic techniques.
• Support the development and optimization of stable producer cell lines and upstream processes for recombinant biologics and viral vectors.
• Operate and develop proficiency with BioFlo 320 bioreactor systems, including control software for small- and medium-scale production (3L, 10L, and 50L).
• Collect routine samples during production runs and evaluate critical process performance attributes.
• Assist with experimental setup, execution, monitoring, breakdown, and analytical sample submission.
• Support cell culture activities, including cell passaging, transfection, and harvesting.

Laboratory Operations & Equipment Maintenance

• Prepare buffers, tubing, and other materials required for experiments and production activities.
• Manage laboratory consumables, supplies, and waste disposal.
• Assist with routine maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of cell line development and upstream processing equipment.
• Coordinate weekly and monthly laboratory activities to support project timelines.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment in accordance with established procedures.

Data Collection, Documentation & Collaboration

• Accurately document experimental procedures, observations, and results to ensure reliable and reproducible data.
• Analyze experimental findings and communicate results during team meetings and research discussions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support process development, preclinical manufacturing, and scale-up activities.
• Identify experimental challenges and assist with troubleshooting and process improvements.
• Maintain accountability for assigned responsibilities while adapting to changing project priorities and timelines.

Requirements & Tech Stack

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• 0–2 years of relevant laboratory, research, or industry experience.
• Foundational knowledge of cell biology, biochemistry, and laboratory research techniques.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety procedures, experimental documentation, and scientific data collection.

Technical Skills

• Understanding of mammalian cell culture techniques and aseptic laboratory practices.
• Ability to follow experimental protocols, operate laboratory equipment, and accurately document results.
• Basic understanding of bioprocessing, cell line development, or upstream manufacturing principles.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, including cell passaging, aseptic processing, transient transfection, and cell harvesting.
• Exposure to upstream process development or biologics manufacturing, particularly recombinant antibodies or viral vectors (AAV or lentiviral vectors).
• Familiarity with bioreactor systems, preferably BioFlo 320 or similar equipment.
• Experience with laboratory analytical techniques such as:
• Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR)
• SDS-PAGE
• Western blotting
• ELISA
• Previous experience supporting laboratory-scale production, process optimization, or scale-up activities.

Key Competencies

• Attention to Detail: Ability to follow established protocols, maintain accurate records, and produce consistent experimental results.
• Problem-Solving: Strong critical-thinking skills with the ability to identify issues and assist with troubleshooting.
• Organization & Time Management: Ability to manage multiple experiments, prioritize assignments, and meet project deadlines.
• Adaptability: Comfortable working in a fast-paced research environment with changing priorities and evolving responsibilities.
• Collaboration: Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Initiative & Accountability: Self-motivated, dependable, and willing to take ownership of assigned laboratory activities.