Research Associate II, Analytical Chemistry (Contract)

Prolific Machines is ushering in a new era of biotechnology with light. Our mission is to make next‑generation therapies broadly available to patients. Our first‑of‑its‑kind Photomolecular Platform uses light to precisely guide how cells produce complex biologics, enabling higher titers, improved quality, and faster development timelines. By helping partners overcome today’s manufacturing bottlenecks, we’re accelerating the delivery of life‑changing medicines. Prolific is supported by leading investors, including Bill Gates’s Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Mayfield, and SOSV. Help us create a brighter tomorrow with biology. We're looking for mission‑driven, talented, and kind people to join our team. We’re looking for a Research Associate II to join the Analytical Chemistry team and collaboratively work with our R&D and Bioprocess teams to quantify and characterize broad classes of therapeutic proteins. A successful candidate in this role will bring their experience in quantification and characterization of therapeutic proteins and apply it to characterize new processes and cell lines. This role will be based on‑site in Emeryville, CA. The contract is expected to last for up to 6 months with the possibility of extension or conversion to full‑time employee at the end of the term. Responsibilities Plan, execute, and interpret experimentation to understand protein expression, protein quality through cell line, upstream and downstream process development. Execute, summarize and interpret routine and complex therapeutic protein characterizations. Routinely operate, maintain, and troubleshoot analytical instrumentation (HPLCs, FPLCs). Support the development, optimization, and validation of analytical methods for quantitative and qualitative protein analysis. Document experimental procedures, data, and results in high‑quality laboratory notebooks in accordance with SOPs and internal standards. Coordinate and communicate with stakeholders of multiple experiments. About You Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry or closely related field, with 2+ years of industry experience. Candidates without a degree but with similar industry experience are encouraged to apply. Demonstrated experience operating HPLC/UPLC systems for protein therapeutic analysis and interpreting chromatographic data. Hands‑on experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting HPLC/UPLC instrumentation, ideally Agilent systems with OpenLab CDS. Familiarity with ICH guidelines and GMP/GxP environments is a plus. Familiarity with the development and implementation of CE and cIEF is a plus. Excited to work with internal and external clients to deliver project excellence. Have strong communication skills and comfortable sharing knowledge at multiple levels of technical detail. $40 - $48 an hour. This contract role is a nonexempt, hourly position and is eligible for overtime pay. Starting pay will be dependent upon specific experience, knowledge, and skillset. The range for the RA II level will typically fall between $40-$48/hour. Diversity Prolific Machines values diverse perspectives, backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where all employees can bring their authentic selves to work and have equal opportunities to succeed. Prolific Machines is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Location The San Francisco Bay Area (Emeryville, CA) #J-18808-Ljbffr Prolific Machines