Research Associate, Analytical
About The Position
Aether Biomachines is a deep tech company operating at the intersection of biology, machine learning, and materials science. Our platform accelerates the discovery and production of novel materials. We are seeking an Analytical Research Associate to support our materials and product development efforts. This is an early-career, lab-intensive role focused on hands-on analytical testing, primarily gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The role involves preparing and running polymer samples, maintaining instruments, ensuring data quality, and collaborating with scientists. There is potential for growth into deeper analytical ownership, including method development and expanded responsibilities across chromatography techniques. This position is based onsite at our South San Francisco facility.
Requirements
- Hands-on experience running samples on a SEC/GPC or similar LC system (academic or industry)
- Strong fundamentals in chromatography and laboratory best practices
- Experience working with polymers (synthetic and/or biopolymers)
- High attention to detail and commitment to data quality
- Comfort working independently while collaborating closely with others
- Ability to recognize when data or samples are clearly problematic and speak up
- Safe lab practices, including handling chemicals, solvents, and glassware
- Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
Nice To Haves
- Industry experience (1-3 years preferred, but not required)
- Exposure to instrument calibration, maintenance, or troubleshooting
- Experience with multiple 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 closely with an analytical scientist on scheduling, priorities, and technical problem-solving
- Support materials scientists and engineers by running analytical tests for 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
Benefits
- equity
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
