Sr. Research Associate (Analytical Method Development and Characterization - Biologics)

Summary:
The Sr. Research Associate position is in the Biologics Analytical Development & Characterization group, a part of the Biologics CMC organization at Nektar, San Francisco site. Responsible for the characterization, analytical method development and analytical support of raw materials, in-process proteins and protein intermediates for process developments of Nektar proprietary projects. 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.

Responsibilities:
Develop analytical methods to support process development and early-stage drug development activities. Assist process development scientists to characterize and monitor purification process intermediates and final products of protein biologics. Works on extremely complex problems in which analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of intangible variables. Acts independently to determine methods and procedures on new assignments and may act as a principal investigator in conducting own experiments. Independently executes technical experiments following appropriate laboratory/technical procedures. Reviews outside literature, develops an interpretation and makes suggestions for direction. Produces competent, reproduce-able results to a high technical standard. Makes complex detailed observations and analyzes data to provide an interpretation of results from which recommendations may be made. Uses professional concepts in accordance with company objectives to solve advanced technical problems. Independently investigates, creates and develops methods, experiments and/or technologies for project advancement. Collects and analyzes complex data to prepare 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 across the organization able to perform a variety of laboratory-based tasks. May function as team or project leader. May be responsible for identifying patent-able inventions. Maintains compliance to company Environmental Health and Safety policies, procedures and practices. May supervise junior staff.

Requirements:
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 experience in analytical method development and characterization for biologics. Must have experience in HPLC analytical methods, such as SEC, RPLC and IEX, and Waters Empower and Agilent Chemstation. Capillary electrophoresis such as CE-SDS and cIEF experiences on Beckman Coulter and Maurice systems for protein analysis are highly desirable. Knowledge and hands on experience in plate assays including HCP and DNA are plus.   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 excellent oral and written communication skills. Must be able to independently write reports. Must be able to 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 able to work well in and promote a team environment and demonstrate leadership abilities. Must be able to provide technical assistance to others in a wide range of laboratory-based activities/techniques.

Employees must be able to lift or handle objects greater than 25 pounds to perform certain duties essential to the job function. 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. Huntsville, AL only:  Employee must be able to pass drug screening for employment consideration.