Research Associate, Analytical at Aether in South San Francisco, CA

Summary: Aether Biomachines is a deep tech company developing materials through the integration of biology, machine learning, and materials science. The Analytical Research Associate will conduct hands-on polymer testing with a primary focus on gel permeation chromatography, while maintaining instruments, tracking method performance, documenting results, and supporting materials development.

Responsibilities:
- Prepare and run polymer samples on GPC systems, following established methods and SOPs
- Track method performance to ensure data quality, reproducibility, and consistency over time
- Perform routine instrument maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting, escalating issues as needed
- Identify clearly problematic or compromised data and communicate issues proactively
- Collaborate closely with an analytical scientist on scheduling, priorities, and technical problem-solving
- Support materials scientists and engineers by running analytical tests for ongoing experiments
- Maintain accurate records of experiments, maintenance, and calibrations
- Contribute to writing or updating SOPs and best practices as the lab and team evolve
- Over time, take on additional ownership such as consumables management, method improvements, or expanded analytical scope

Required Qualifications:
- Hands-on experience running samples on a SEC/GPC or similar LC system (academic or industry)
- Strong fundamentals in chromatography and laboratory best practices
- Experience working with polymers (synthetic and/or biopolymers)
- High attention to detail and commitment to data quality
- Comfort working independently while collaborating closely with others
- Ability to recognize when data or samples are clearly problematic and speak up
- Safe lab practices, including handling chemicals, solvents, and glassware
- Exposure to instrument calibration, maintenance, or troubleshooting
- Experience with multiple analytical techniques beyond GPC
- Familiarity with rheology or interest in learning additional techniques
- Experience contributing to SOPs or method documentation
- Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S

Preferred Qualifications:
- Industry experience (1-3 years preferred, but not required)

Required Skills: SEC/GPC, Liquid Chromatography, Chromatography, Polymer Analysis, Laboratory Best Practices, Chemical and Solvent Handling, Instrument Calibration and Maintenance, Instrument Troubleshooting

Benefits: Equity, Involvement in method development and optimization, Broader analytical responsibilities across chromatography-based techniques, A longer-term path toward expanded scientific or technical roles, aligned with individual interests