Senior Research Associate V - Protein Development

Job Description

Job Description

Senior Research Associate V – Protein Development

Location: San Carlos, CA (Onsite)
Employment Type: Full-Time Contract
Schedule: Monday–Friday | 40 Hours per Week
Anticipated Start Date: December 7, 2026
Industry: Biotechnology / Vaccine Development

Position Overview

Viltis is recruiting for one of our clients, a leading biotechnology organization, seeking an experienced  Senior Research Associate V – Protein Development to support vaccine product development and clinical manufacturing activities in San Carlos, California.

This position is ideal for a highly skilled scientist with extensive experience in protein analytics, biochemical assays, and analytical method development. The successful candidate will independently execute complex laboratory studies, generate and interpret analytical data, troubleshoot methods, and support process characterization activities.

The role will focus primarily on plate-based analytical methods used to measure protein concentration and quality in raw materials and in-process intermediates.

This is a hands-on, laboratory-based opportunity requiring strong scientific judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while collaborating with cross-functional scientific teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently perform complex laboratory studies, analyze experimental data, troubleshoot analytical methods, and support protein development activities.
• Execute sandwich ELISA and Bradford total protein assays on raw materials and in-process samples.
• Support process characterization and development studies through accurate and reproducible analytical testing.
• Perform additional protein analysis, including GFP activity assays, Capillary Western (Jess and Leo), and A280/SoloVPE methods.
• Conduct analytical method qualification studies evaluating accuracy, repeatability, and intermediate precision.
• Assist with the development, revision, and documentation of analytical test methods.
• Qualify and bridge critical reagents, including antibodies, reference standards, and assay controls.
• Maintain reagent inventories and ensure the availability of materials required for laboratory operations.
• Record experimental procedures, observations, and results using electronic laboratory notebooks, including Benchling.
• Troubleshoot instrumentation, assay variability, and unexpected test results.
• Analyze and interpret scientific data and communicate findings through technical reports and team presentations.
• Support laboratory automation initiatives, including high-throughput methods using liquid-handling systems and robotic technologies.
• Collaborate with scientists and technical subject matter experts to design experiments, improve analytical methods, and train additional laboratory personnel.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or a related scientific discipline with a minimum of 5 years of relevant biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience , or a master's degree in a related scientific discipline with a minimum of 3 years of relevant industry experience .
• Extensive hands-on laboratory experience, preferably 10 or more years.
• Strong technical knowledge of analytical chemistry, biochemistry, and protein characterization.
• Demonstrated experience performing plate-based immunoassays, particularly ELISA.
• Proficiency with colorimetric protein assays, including Bradford and/or BCA.
• Experience conducting analytical method qualification, validation, or fit-for-purpose studies.
• Strong analytical troubleshooting, critical thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to independently execute experiments, interpret results, and maintain accurate laboratory documentation.
• Familiarity with good documentation practices and laboratory quality standards.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with HPLC, CE-SDS, Western blotting, or related protein analytical techniques.
• Familiarity with Capillary Western instruments, including Jess and Leo.
• Experience with GFP activity assays and A280/SoloVPE analysis.
• Experience with liquid-handling automation platforms such as Tecan EVO or Biomek.
• Experience using Benchling or similar electronic laboratory notebook systems.
• Previous experience in protein development, vaccine research, process development, or clinical manufacturing support.
• Experience with critical reagent qualification and analytical method transfer.

Work Environment & Schedule

• Onsite laboratory position in San Carlos, California.
• Full-time contract assignment, 40 hours per week.
• Standard five-day workweek.
• Anticipated start date of December 7, 2026.
• Assignment duration subject to client confirmation.

About Viltis

Viltis is a specialized life sciences recruiting and consulting firm connecting talented professionals with innovative organizations across the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and diagnostics industries.

We support opportunities across Scientific Research, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Clinical Operations, Engineering, and Manufacturing.

Apply Today

If you are an experienced laboratory scientist with a strong background in protein analytics, ELISA, analytical method qualification, and biotechnology research, we encourage you to apply.

Please submit your most recent resume for consideration. Qualified candidates will be contacted to discuss the opportunity and next steps.