Research Associate, Purification Process Development (Contractor)

Visterra • Waltham, MA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Research Associate Contractor in Purification Process Development executes downstream purification activities at Visterra, supporting the development of Visterra molecules through laboratory experiments. The role works closely with the research team to plan and conduct experiments assessing candidate molecules’ developability and collaborates with Analytical Development, Cell Culture, Quality Assurance, and external partners at contract manufacturing sites. The Associate should expect to spend approximately 80% of the time in the lab.

This contract position is located at Visterra’s offices in Waltham, Massachusetts.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Arts or Sciences in chemical engineering, biotechnology, biochemistry, chemistry, biology, or a related discipline, or a master’s degree with 0–2 years of relevant industry experience.
• Experience developing and supporting liquid chromatography purification unit operations across modalities and scales, including operating AKTA chromatography controllers.
• Ability to think critically and communicate effectively with a broad range of internal and external audiences.
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and prioritize work effectively.

Responsibilities

• Execute experiments in the purification laboratory to generate material for internal customers, support process development and technology transfer, and assess the developability of candidate therapeutics.
• Plan and execute experiments designed to evaluate the developability of candidate protein therapeutics.
• Present work at department and cross-functional meetings.
• Contribute as a process lead in drug development team meetings.
• Troubleshoot and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Document experimental results in laboratory notebooks, technology transfer documents, and technical reports.
• Present data at meetings.
• Keep current with new technologies to improve process development capabilities.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level