Description
Kelly® Science & Clinical is seeking an Associate Scientist, for contract opportunity with one of our clients, a gene therapy biotechnology company focused on neurological disorders. If you are driven by the prospect of translating cutting-edge scientific discoveries into tangible advancements and are poised to advance your career, join us as we pioneer progress in the biotechnology and medical device industries.
Workplace: Onsite in Houston, TX
Position Title: Associate Scientist, Downstream Process Development
Position Type: 6-month contract
Pay rate: $30-40 per hour
Associate Scientist, Downstream Process Development – Gene Therapy
Are you ready to play a vital role in transforming the future of neurological disease treatment? An innovative, clinical-stage biopharma company is seeking a talented Associate Scientist, Downstream Process Development, to join their fast-growing team in Houston. This is a unique opportunity to advance your career in gene therapy, supporting a rapidly expanding pipeline and world-class manufacturing environment.
About the Opportunity
This hands-on technical role supports the design, execution, and optimization of breakthrough gene therapy products. Reporting to the Associate Director, Downstream Process Development, you will contribute across a spectrum of viral vector purification activities—empowering the company's pipeline from research through clinical and commercial production.
Be part of a collaborative and mission-driven culture that is unwavering in its commitment to patients, innovation, and scientific excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Execute routine and complex viral vector purification, from buffer preparation and sampling to small-scale purification runs and GMP batch execution.
- Support process development operations including development and toxicology production runs, reagent prep, inventory control, and lab upkeep.
- Draft and review critical documentation, including SOPs, batch production records, process forms, and laboratory records, adhering to best practices in biotechnology and compliance.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with analytical and upstream teams to define and deliver critical quality attributes and process performance for AAV purification.
- Maintain accurate laboratory protocols and data capture, participating in inventory and equipment management, waste disposal, and lab safety procedures.
- Stay engaged with the latest advances in viral vector process development and proactively contribute to the success of the process development team.
- BSc in Biological Science or related discipline
- 1-2 years' experience in a biotechnology or biopharma environment preferred
- Practical experience in basic laboratory operations related to virus/protein purification, buffer preparation, and aseptic technique
- Familiarity with chromatography and filtration purification methods; AKTA chromatography experience preferred
- Hands-on experience with viral vector bioprocessing, especially AAV, is an advantage
- Comfortable working in regulated environments (GLP/GMP); GMP experience is a plus
- Understanding of bioprocess documentation (SOPs, batch records) and regulatory expectations (FDA/EMA/cGMP a plus)
- Proven team player with strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Tech-savvy with proficiency in MS Office, accurate documentation practices, and attention to detail
- Ability to work flexibly, lift up to 25 lbs frequently (50 lbs occasionally), and thrive in a laboratory setting
- Grow with a forward-thinking company at the cutting edge of gene therapy for neurological diseases
- Collaborate with industry experts and contribute to life-changing therapies
- Advance your skills in a highly supportive, innovation-focused culture
- Be part of a Houston-based organization with an end-to-end manufacturing footprint, setting the stage for personal and professional growth
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As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.
Why Kelly® Science & Clinical?
Kelly Science & Clinical is your connection to premier scientific and clinical companies looking to hire industry experts just like you. Our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world's most critical challenges. Every day, we match science professionals with dream jobs that fit their skills, interests, and career goals—it's the way we think job searching should be. Nearly 100 percent of our science recruiters have a professional background and education in science, so we know a thing or two about the science market and how to get your expertise noticed.About Kelly
Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we're obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it's about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It's the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It's the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life—just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California's state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
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