Associate Scientist

Title : Assistant / Associate Scientist (Downstream Process Development)

Location: East Syracuse NY

Duration: 6+ months

Position Summary

• The primary role of the Assistant / Associate Scientist is to execute lab-scale experiments supporting downstream process development, including buffer preparation, chromatography, filtration, and tangential flow filtration (TFF).
• This individual will document experiments in laboratory notebooks and electronic laboratory notebooks (ELN) while following established protocols.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute downstream purification experiments, including chromatography ( affinity, ion exchange, hydrophobic interaction chromatography [HIC]) and filtration techniques ( TFF, depth filtration ).
• Support process development, optimization, and scale-up of purification processes for proteins, antibodies, and other biologics.
• Prepare large volumes of buffers and maintain accurate documentation.
• Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain AKTA systems and other purification equipment.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and communicate findings to internal teams.
• Support technology transfer activities from process development to manufacturing.
• Draft and review technical documents, including protocols, reports, SOPs, and batch records.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory quality standards.
• Troubleshoot process issues and recommend scientifically sound solutions.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with upstream, analytical, and manufacturing teams to support project goals.
• Maintain accurate and timely records in physical and/or electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Perform routine laboratory activities, including sample management, instrument maintenance and calibration, inventory management, supply ordering, and general housekeeping.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering , or a related scientific discipline.

Technical Skills

• Hands-on experience with chromatography systems (e.g., AKTA ).
• Knowledge of protein purification principles and techniques.
• Familiarity with filtration methods, including ultrafiltration/diafiltration (UF/DF) .
• Experience with buffer preparation.
• Basic understanding of analytical techniques such as HPLC, SDS-PAGE, and UV-Vis spectroscopy .
• Experience using data analysis tools such as Excel, JMP , or similar software.
• Experience: 0–3 years of relevant academic or industry experience in downstream processing.
• Experience in a CDMO or biopharmaceutical environment is preferred.

Physical Demands

• Laboratory-based role requiring use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) .
• May involve handling biohazardous materials, including live cell cultures, and hazardous chemicals such as methotrexate, acids, and caustics.
• May require handling powdered materials and high-temperature liquids or solids.
• Frequent repetitive motions, including pipetting, lifting, bending, twisting, squatting, crouching, kneeling, climbing step stools, and reaching.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted .
• Extended periods of standing in the laboratory and sitting during office-based work.