Sr. Research Associate

Position Overview

The preferred candidate will be able to provide analytical support for process development/characterization of Nektar's biological drugs.

Analytical support includes development, optimization and qualification of analytical methods, the exercise of technical discretion in the execution and interpretation of experiments, providing and presenting scientific data to process scientists, generating technical documents with a scientific discipline, and demonstrating a high level of professional expertise through familiarity with analytical instrumentation and bioanalytical assays.

Takes responsibility to deliver scientific excellence and rigor in all assigned work. Under minimal supervision, develops and qualifies analytical methods, executes technical experiments following appropriate guidance and technical procedures. Makes detailed observations and analyzes data to provide an interpretation of results. Effectively communicates with process scientists to analyze in-process intermediates and final products of protein biologics. Prepares technical reports, summaries, and/or quantitative analyses. Maintains accurate and well-organized laboratory records, worksheets and notebooks. Maintains current training requirements. Functions as a team resource able to perform a variety of laboratory based tasks. May act as principal investigator in conducting own experiments. Maintains compliance to company Environmental Health and Safety policies, procedures and practices. May provide guidance to junior staff.

A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline is required. Equivalent experience may be accepted. A minimum of 8 years work experience in a research and/or development environment is required. Must have knowledge and hands-on analytical experience. CMC, GLP/GMP experience are desirable. Must have experience in HPLC and CE instrumentation, such as icIEF, CE-SDS, SEC, RPLC and IEX and working experience on HCP ELISA, BCA protein assay, DNA quantification, and UV/VIS spectrometry is desired.

Must have a demonstrated working knowledge of scientific principles. Must be able to demonstrate good decision-making skills. Must possess good oral and written communication skills. Must be able to independently write reports. Must demonstrate sound judgment within broadly defined practices and policies. Must have demonstrated problem solving abilities. Strong organizational skills are required. Good computer skills are required. Working knowledge of MS word, Excel, Power point is a plus. Experience working in an FDA regulated environment is highly desired. Must be willing to work as part of a team and demonstrate good interpersonal skills. Must be able to provide technical assistance to others in a wide range of laboratory based activities.

Performance of tasks essential to the job function may require the employee to work directly with, handle, or otherwise come into contact with chemicals or pharmaceutical agents. Employees must be able to wear a respiratory protection (filtering facepiece, 1/2 face, full-face, or powered air purifying respirator, supplied air, or self-contained breathing apparatus) for certain tasks essential to the job function. Employees must be able to able to accurately detect color and have 20/20 vision (with/without corrective lenses). Employees may be required to enroll in a medical surveillance program based on the potential exposure to certain health hazards encountered as a result of their job function

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against applicants due to race, ethnicity, gender, veteran status, or on the basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. Nektar Therapeutics will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in the manner proscribed by the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.