Research Associate

Research Associate

Pay: $48.92 - $56.12 per hour

Duration: 12 months

Location: Oceanside, CA (Onsite)

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

• EEO Statement

• The staffing industry has seen an increase in people falsely representing themselves as recruiters to gather personal information from job seekers. For your safety, do not provide sensitive data to anyone you have not spoken with thoroughly, never provide banking information during the application process, and always double check the email address of the Recruiter to ensure it’s from an official Planet domain and not a domain with an alternative extension like .net, .org, or .jobs.

• The Planet Group and our companies are equal opportunity employers. It is our practice not to discriminate against any employee or applicant based on any criteria, condition or basis protected by laws or regulations in the locations where we do business. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. We celebrate diversity and are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion enable us to better meet our mission and values while serving our clients across the globe. If you have a disability or handicap and would like us to accommodate you in any reasonable way, please inform your recruiter, or contact us, so that we can discuss the appropriate alternatives available.