Sr. Research Associate (Biologics Analytical Development/HPLC)

Position Overview

The Sr. Research Associate position is in the Biologics Analytical Development group, a part of the Biologics CMC organization at Nektar.

Responsible for analytical method development and qualification of proteins and protein-conjugates across pre-clinical and clinical development stages in the Nektar Biologics pipeline. Performs research and/or development in collaboration with others for projects. Exercises technical discretion in the design, execution and interpretation of experiments that contribute to project strategies. Maintains familiarity with current scientific literature. Contributes to project process within a scientific discipline. Maintains a high level of professional expertise through familiarity with scientific literature. May participate in scientific conferences and contribute to scientific journals.

Develop and qualify analytical methods to support early and late stage drug development activities. Assist process development scientists to characterize and monitor purification process intermediates and final products of protein biologics. Works on complex problems in which analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of various factors. Exercises judgment within broadly defined practices and policies in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Under minimal guidance, executes on technical experiments following appropriate laboratory/technical procedures. Often determines and develops methods and procedures on new assignments. Reviews outside literature, develops an interpretation and makes suggestions for direction. Produces competent, reproduce-able results to a high technical standard. Makes detailed observations and analyzes data to provide an interpretation of results. Investigates, creates and develops methods, experiments and/or technologies for project advancement. Uses professional concepts in accordance with company objectives to help solve advanced technical problems. Prepares technical reports, summaries, protocols, 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 Bachelors 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 experience in analytical method development for biologics. Must have experience in HPLC analytical methods, such as SEC, RPLC and IEX. Mass spectrometry and capillary electrophoresis experience for protein analysis is highly desirable. Must have excellent analytical skills, with significant hands-on laboratory experience. 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.

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.