Research Associate, Analytical

Aether Biomachines•South San Francisco, CA

About The Position

Aether Biomachines is seeking an early-career, lab-intensive Analytical Research Associate to support materials and product development through hands-on analytical testing, primarily using gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The role focuses on preparing and running polymer samples, maintaining instruments, and producing high-quality, reproducible data in a fast-moving research environment. The associate will work closely with an analytical scientist and collaborate with scientists across the materials team. The position is primarily execution-focused, with opportunities to grow into greater analytical ownership, including method development and expanded responsibility across chromatography-based techniques. Over time, responsibilities may include consumables management, method improvements, and broader analytical work. Aether Biomachines is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and an inclusive environment. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.; the company is not sponsoring visas for this position. Employment is at-will, and reasonable accommodations are available upon request. The pay range is $80,000–$100,000 per year plus equity, with final compensation based on skills and experience.

Requirements

Hands-on experience running samples on a SEC/GPC or similar LC system, acquired academically or in industry.
Strong fundamentals in chromatography and laboratory best practices.
Experience working with synthetic and/or biopolymers.
High attention to detail and commitment to data quality.
Comfort working independently while collaborating closely with others.
Ability to recognize clearly problematic data or samples and speak up.
Safe laboratory practices, including handling chemicals, solvents, and glassware.
Authorization to work in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

One to three years of industry experience is preferred but not required.
Exposure to instrument calibration, maintenance, or troubleshooting.
Experience with analytical techniques beyond GPC.
Familiarity with rheology or interest in learning additional techniques.
Experience contributing to SOPs or method documentation.

Responsibilities

Prepare and run polymer samples on GPC systems, following established methods and SOPs.
Track method performance to ensure data quality, reproducibility, and consistency over time.
Perform routine instrument maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting, escalating issues as needed.
Identify clearly problematic or compromised data and communicate issues proactively.
Collaborate with an analytical scientist on scheduling, priorities, and technical problem-solving.
Run analytical tests to support materials scientists and engineers with ongoing experiments.
Maintain accurate records of experiments, maintenance, and calibrations.
Contribute to writing or updating SOPs and best practices as the lab and team evolve.
Over time, take on additional ownership such as consumables management, method improvements, or expanded analytical scope.