Research Associate I, Analytical Chemistry

Prolific Machines • Emeryville, CA

1d

About The Position

Prolific Machines is hiring a Research Associate I for its Analytical Chemistry team. The role works collaboratively with the R&D and Bioprocess teams to quantify and characterize broad classes of therapeutic proteins and support development of the company’s photomolecular platform. The successful candidate will be excited about quantification and characterization of biologics.

The position involves planning, executing, and interpreting experiments; performing analytical assays; operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting analytical instrumentation; supporting analytical method development and validation activities; documenting work in laboratory notebooks; and coordinating with stakeholders. The role is based in Emeryville, California, in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The position is salaried, exempt, and paid semi-monthly. The listed annual salary range is $70,000–$100,000, with the Research Associate I range typically $70,000–$85,000 depending on experience, knowledge, and skillset.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related field, with 0–2 years of industry experience; candidates without a degree but with similar industry experience are encouraged to apply.
• Demonstrated experience operating HPLC/UPLC systems for protein therapeutic analysis and interpreting chromatographic data.
• Hands-on experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting HPLC/UPLC instrumentation.
• Excitement about working with internal and external clients to deliver project excellence.
• Strong communication skills and comfort sharing knowledge at multiple levels of technical detail.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Agilent HPLC/UPLC systems and OpenLab CDS.
• Experience supporting analytical development activities for biologics.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and interpret experiments to characterize protein expression and biotherapeutic quality.
• Execute analytical assays supporting biologics characterization and development, including routine and complex therapeutic protein characterizations.
• Routinely operate, maintain, and troubleshoot analytical instrumentation, including HPLCs, FPLCs, and CE/cIEF systems.
• Support method development, optimization, qualification, validation, and troubleshooting activities.
• Document experimental procedures, data, and results in high-quality laboratory notebooks in accordance with SOPs and internal standards.
• Coordinate and communicate with stakeholders across multiple experiments.

Benefits

• Generous equity package.
• Retirement plan with company contribution.
• Flexible PTO with healthy time-off minimums.
• Company-covered medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Career coaching.
• Mental health support.
• Free team lunches every day.
• Snacks.
• Companywide social events.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level