Associate I, Technical Development Operations

Location: South San Francisco, CA (100% On-site)

Position Type: 6-Month Contract (May extend or convert to permanent)

Schedule: M-F, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM or 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Occasional weekend work, approx. one day/month)

Compensation: $40.54/hour W2

Perks: Free on-site parking!

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated, collaborative, and hands-on Associate to join our Technical Development Department within the Cell and Gene Therapy Research Division. This is a dynamic, lab-centric role (75% lab, 25% office) supporting both upstream and downstream process development activities, as well as operations in our pilot plant for gene therapy programs.

This is a fantastic entry-to-early career opportunity to gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge AAV (Adeno-Associated Virus) production and process development. The ideal candidate is someone with a strong desire to learn, a positive attitude, and a flexible mindset.

Top Skills & Experience We Are Looking For

• Experience Level: 0–3 years of bioprocess experience. Recent graduates with strong applicable educational backgrounds/internships and the right attitude are highly encouraged to apply!
• Education: BS in Life Sciences, Bioengineering, or a related discipline. (Please note: Master’s degrees will be considered based on motivation; PhD candidates are overqualified for this specific role).
• The Right Fit: Candidates with 5+ years of experience will not be a fit for this junior-level team structure. We care deeply about your mindset, coachability, and eagerness to dive into lab work.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• 75% Lab Operations: Set up, monitor, and take down experiments and equipment for both upstream and downstream processes.
• Upstream Duties: Execute experiments for cell culture and transfections in shake flasks and bioreactors (primarily Sartorius and Wave systems); maintain seed train cell cultures (vial thaws through expansions); perform cell culture harvest operations.
• Downstream Duties: Support purification unit operations including column packing, filtration, chromatography, and Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF).
• Documentation & Digital Records: Maintain meticulous digital records of all research production activities using in-house systems and shared digital document repositories; assist with document preparation and revisions.
• Safety & Collaboration: Follow all laboratory safety procedures, participate in safety meetings, and maintain a highly collaborative, positive attitude in a team-focused environment.

Qualifications

Required:

• BS in Life Sciences, Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 0–2+ years of experience working in a pharmaceutical/biologics lab or manufacturing environment (Industry internships count!).
• Foundational understanding of upstream and/or downstream process theory (Cell Culture, Harvest, TFF, Column Chromatography).
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and strong digital record-keeping skills.
• Flexibility to work outside of normal business hours/overtime as required (occasional weekend work, approx. once a month).

Preferred (Nice to Have):

• Direct experience with AAV or gene therapy processes.
• Experience with single-use/disposable manufacturing technologies (e.g., sterile bags, tubing welders).
• Ability to multi-task and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with changing priorities.