Research Associate, Analytical

Aether Biomachines•South San Francisco, CA

16h•$80,000 - $100,000

About The Position

Aether Biomachines is hiring 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 materials scientists and engineers. Responsibilities include instrument maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and documentation to ensure analytical methods perform consistently and reliably. The role is primarily execution-focused, with opportunities over time to take on greater analytical ownership, including method development and expanded responsibility for chromatography-based techniques.

Requirements

Hands-on experience running samples on a SEC/GPC or similar LC system, through academic or industry work.
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 lab practices, including handling chemicals, solvents, and glassware.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.; Aether is not sponsoring visas for this position.

Nice To Haves

Industry experience; 1–3 years 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 supporting materials scientists’ and engineers’ 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.
Potentially take on additional ownership over time, such as consumables management, method improvements, or expanded analytical scope.