Research Associate 

Contract-to-Hire | 2 Openings | Entry-Level Candidates Welcome

Kelly is hiring two Research Associates for contract-to-hire opportunities with a biopharmaceutical manufacturing client. This is an excellent opportunity for recent graduates and early-career scientists with 0–1 year of experience who are interested in building hands-on experience in upstream process development and biologics manufacturing.

The Role

As a Research Associate, you will support upstream process development, including the development and optimization of scalable mammalian cell culture processes and assist with transferring processes into Manufacturing. You will gain hands-on experience with cell culture, bioreactors, process data analysis, and upstream development activities in a biopharmaceutical environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Support mammalian cell culture process development and optimization, including recombinant protein production, media/feed screening, cell adaptation, and evaluation of cell growth and productivity.

  
  

• Grow and maintain mammalian cells in shake flasks, wave bioreactors, and stirred-tank bioreactors.

  
  

• Assist with seed train development, production bioreactor inoculation, sampling, feeding, maintenance, and cell culture harvest/clarification.

  
  

• Work with mammalian cell lines such as CHO-GS, CHO-DG44, CHO-M, CHO-S, NSO, and HEK using aseptic techniques.

  
  

• Prepare cell culture media and feed formulations.

  
  

• Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain cell culture equipment, including bioreactors and analyzers.

  
  

• Support scale-up and technology transfer of cell culture and harvest processes to Manufacturing.

  
  

• Analyze cell growth, productivity, and nutrient utilization data using tools such as Excel and JMP.

  
  

• Document experimental data and findings to support traceability and regulatory requirements.

  
  

• Assist with technical reports, summaries, presentations, and scientific discussions.

  
  

• Research and help implement new methods and technologies to improve process operations.

  
  

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related scientific discipline.

  
  

• 0–1 year of relevant laboratory, academic, internship, or industry experience. Recent graduates are encouraged to apply.

  
  

• Foundational understanding of biological and scientific principles.

  
  

• Academic or hands-on exposure to mammalian cell culture, aseptic technique, bioreactors, or upstream processing is preferred.

  
  

• Comfortable working with laboratory equipment and analyzing experimental data.

  
  

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel; exposure to JMP or similar data-analysis tools is a plus.

  
  

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

  
  

• Excellent attention to detail, organization, and ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Schedule & Work Environment

This is a full-time, contract-to-hire opportunity, typically working Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Based on project and operational needs, occasional overtime, weekend, or holiday work may be required.

The position involves a combination of sitting, standing, walking, and hands-on laboratory activities. Candidates may occasionally be required to lift objects weighing up to 20 pounds and work around laboratory equipment, chemicals, vibration, and varying noise levels. Reasonable accommodations may be available for qualified individuals.

Why Apply?

This opportunity is ideal for a new or recent graduate looking to launch a career in biopharmaceutical process development. You’ll have the opportunity to develop practical upstream processing skills, work with mammalian cell culture and bioreactor technologies, and gain experience supporting the development and manufacturing of biologic products.

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