Associate Scientist

Associate Scientist, Analytical Development

Cambridge, MA

Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

The Associate Scientist, Analytical Chemistry will play a key role in supporting the characterization and development of fermentation-derived peptide products. This position focuses on developing and executing chromatographic methods to evaluate peptide purity, impurity profiles, and product quality throughout the purification process. The role involves preparing and analyzing complex biological samples, troubleshooting analytical issues, and generating high-quality data to support process development and manufacturing.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, optimize, and execute HPLC/UPLC chromatographic methods for peptide analysis, including method troubleshooting and data interpretation.
• Prepare and analyze samples from crude fermentation broth through purified material, utilizing clarification, desalting, SPE, buffer exchange, and concentration techniques.
• Assess peptide purity, impurity profiles, and peak resolution, managing complex, low-purity matrices and process-related impurities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional technical teams to advance peptide development programs and communicate analytical findings effectively.
• Utilize HPLC data systems (such as Empower, ChemStation) for data acquisition, quantification of purity, and tracking impurity trends.
• Apply understanding of upstream fermentation and downstream purification processes to interpret chromatographic outcomes and address analytical challenges.
• Perform basic LC-MS analyses for peptide confirmation and intact mass analysis, with preference for experience in disulfide-rich peptides or oxidation variants.
• Document, report, and present analytical results clearly, contributing to process development and manufacturing support activities.

Qualifications

:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Hands-on experience with HPLC/UPLC (RP, IEX, SEC) method development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency in sample preparation techniques, including clarification, desalting, SPE, buffer exchange, and concentration.
• Experience working with fermentation-derived peptides, preferably from Pichia, across crude to purified material.
• Ability to manage and analyze complex, heterogeneous, low-purity samples and process-related impurities.
• Familiarity with HPLC data systems (Empower, ChemStation, etc.) and ability to quantify purity and track impurity trends.
• Basic knowledge of LC-MS for peptide confirmation and intact mass analysis (preferred).
• Experience with disulfide-rich peptides or oxidation variants (preferred).
• Strong troubleshooting skills, collaborative mindset, and effective communication abilities.