Associate Scientist

Job Title: Associate Scientist

Location: Oceanside, CA

Duration: 12 Months

Job Type: Temporary Assignment

Work Type: Onsite

Pay Rate: $47.00 - $53.00/Hr

Overview:

TekWissen is a global workforce management provider headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan that offers strategic talent solutions to our clients world-wide. The below job opportunity is with one of our Biotech clients who researches develop and commercializes drugs. The company focuses primarily on antiviral drugs used in the treatment of HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and influenza, including Harvoni and Sovaldi.

Job Description:

We are seeking a highly motivated Associate Scientist to support purification process development during pivotal and commercial development phases. This contract role focuses on high‑throughput purification of upstream/cell culture samples and supports downstream purification characterization studies. A core part of this role is the development and optimization of high‑throughput purification assays using state‑of‑the‑art automation platforms (e.g., Tecan, Hamilton). The ideal candidate brings strong hands‑on laboratory skills, deep familiarity with HTP purification methods, and the ability to establish, troubleshoot, and refine automated workflows.

Key Responsibilities

High‑Throughput Purification & Automation

• Execute high‑throughput purification (HTP) workflows for upstream/cell culture samples to support process characterization.
• Operate, optimize, and maintain automated liquid handling systems such as Hamilton and Tecan platforms.
• Develop, qualify, and refine HTP purification assays and microscale purification methods.
• Collaborate with upstream teams to ensure timely sample processing and data delivery.

Purification Process Development

• Contribute to experimental design and execute purification process development and characterization experiments.
• Conduct bench‑scale purification studies using chromatography, filtration, and microscale systems.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data in compliance with data integrity expectations.
• Prepare high‑quality protocols, reports, and electronic laboratory notebook documentation.

Technical Excellence & Collaboration

• Support implementation of new purification technologies, instrumentation, and platform enhancements.
• Maintain a state‑of‑the‑art purification lab, including instrumentation readiness and workflow improvements.
• Partner with upstream, downstream, and cross‑functional colleagues as needed on development and characterization initiatives.
• Follow all compliance, training, and safety requirements.

Qualifications / Skills / Experience

• M.S. with 2+ years or B.S. with 4+ years of relevant industry experience in chemical engineering, biochemistry, bioengineering, or related discipline.
• Expertise developing and executing HTP purification assays, including automated liquid handling systems such as Tecan, Hamilton, and microscale chromatography platforms.
• Experience with chromatography (e.g., AKTA, plate‑based), filtration, and standard downstream techniques.
• Strong analytical, documentation, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work both independently and in collaborative, fast‑paced environments.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

TekWissen® Group is an equal opportunity employer supporting workforce diversity.