Associate Scientist - Biology II*

About the Role
Join our Biologics Pilot Lab and contribute directly to the development, scaleup, and pilot-scale production of early and late-stage biologic programs. In this role, you will execute upstream operations, support downstream activities as needed, and help advance programs that are central to *** biologics pipeline. This position is ideal for candidates who are hands-on in the lab, collaborative, and excited to work on fast moving development efforts.

Selected responsibilities include:

• Hands-on execution of bioprocess unit operations (media preparation, seed train, WAVE and 100-500L SUB cultures) in a pilot environment (schedule-driven runs).
• Strong documentation and GxP habits (batch records/run summaries, deviations/observations, change notes).
• Run execution under tight timelines; ability to support run schedules/weekend coverage.
• Troubleshooting in real time during pilot runs.
• Working from SOPs/Benchling batch records; capturing deviations/observations; maintaining readiness.

Key Responsibilities

Technical & Operational

• Prepare media/buffers/reagents; set up equipment; post-run teardown and cleaning.
• Maintain laboratory readiness, including equipment maintenance, analytical instrument upkeep, consumable inventory management, and general lab support.
• Support upstream operations to ensure seamless end-to-end process execution.
• Participate in tech transfer activities to support bringing new projects into the Pilot Lab.
• Monitor process and performance data; prepare clear summaries of findings as appropriate.

Communication & Collaboration

• Organize and present data, results, and conclusions in group meetings/discussions.
• Communicate technical information clearly and effectively to colleagues at varying levels.
• Work with a team-oriented, collaborative, and solutions-focused mindset.
• Maintain a strong safety focus in all laboratories and pilot operations.

Required Qualifications

• Familiarity or working experience in pilot lab/plant operations for biologics in a Pilot Lab facility.
• Familiarity or working experience with Pilot-scale bioprocess equipment.
• Strong verbal communication, technical writing, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in cross functional teams and in a dynamic environment.
• Self-motivated, organized, and comfortable with scientific problem solving.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience executing upstream processes end-to-end (not only individual unit ops).
• Experience in a pilot plant /manufacturing support /tech transfer / GMP-adjacent environment.
• Comfortable working from controlled documentation (SOPs, batch records, run sheets).
• Ability to support weekend/extended-hour coverage during runs.
• Familiarity with Process Development and/or GxP, technology transfer, plant operations, and bioprocess scaleup principles.

Education

• AA/AS degree with > 2 years of relevant industry experience (purification/DSP techniques), or
• BS/BE in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biology, or related discipline with 0-2 year of relevant experience.

Work Requirements

• This is a 100% onsite role in Foster City, CA.
• Occasional weekend work required to support pilot-scale biologics operations.
• This contractor will be a key hands-on contributor on run execution and process improvements for multiple biologics programs.

What Success Looks Like in 60-90 Days

• Prepare cell culture media and buffers independently and flawlessly.
• Support execution of bioprocess operations with minimal oversight.

About the Biologics Pilot Lab Team
You will join a team of seven scientists responsible for producing pilot-scale biological products that support biologics programs, trouble shooting and improving processes. The team implements new technologies to enhance operational capability, capacity, and efficiency across the site.