Research Associate, Process Development

Location: Natick, MA

About the Role:

Anagram Therapeutics is seeking a hands-on, collaborative Downstream Development Research Associate to join our Process Development team as we advance multiple enzyme-based therapeutics toward pivotal trials. This lab-based role offers broad exposure to both upstream and downstream development challenges — including protein purification, filtration, and process characterization.

As a critical early contributor, this individual will help drive development activities across both lead and pipeline products. The ideal candidate brings strong scientific fundamentals, a bias for action, and the ability to work independently while thriving in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment. This role reports to the Head of Process Development and offers direct collaboration with internal technical teams and frequent engagement with leadership.

Responsibilities:

• Design, execute, and analyze lab-scale experiments focused on cost-effective recovery and purification processes for enzyme drug substances.
• Develop and optimize primary separation operations, including flocculation, centrifugation, depth filtration, and micro-/ultrafiltration (e.g., flat sheet, spiral wound, hollow fiber, TFF systems).
• Support process robustness and scalability by evaluating parameters such as membrane performance, fouling, clarification efficiency, and biomass removal strategies.
• Apply batch-mode chromatography sparingly, focusing on resin selection and process simplicity to support clinical and commercial cost targets.
• Prepare and characterize buffer systems, filtration parameters, and separation schemes aligned with platform-based unit operations.
• Perform in-process and basic protein analytics (e.g., UV-Vis, turbidity, SDS-PAGE) to support process decision-making and material assessments.
• Contribute to process characterization and technical reporting to support regulatory documentation and tech transfer packages.
• Support PD lab operations, equipment readiness, and integration of new unit operations or systems as needed.

About You:

• Familiarity with cost-aware development principles and phase-appropriate process design for clinical and commercial settings.
• Exposure to batch chromatography and resin screening as a secondary separation method.
• Experience supporting microbial expression systems (e.g., yeast, filamentous fungi) and associated biomass removal techniques.
• Prior experience working with or managing deliverables from CDMOs/CROs.

Personal Attributes:

Execution: Demonstrates and fosters a winning mind set, a sense of urgency, optimism, and ownership, and a strong drive to achieve goals and organizational success. Delivers business results for the organization. Accountable for effectively and efficiently completing work responsibilities and tasks with high quality. Demonstrates initiative, works to achieve results, meets or exceeds goals, and acts on opportunities to create value.

Collaboration: Promotes collaboration and works effectively with others across the organization to achieve goals. Demonstrates proficient cross-cultural communication and collaboration in all interactions. Credits others for their contributions and accomplishments.

Communication: Prepares and delivers clear, concise, accurate, effective, and persuasive written and verbal materials/messages. Attentively and accurately listens to others. Promotes a free and timely flow of high-quality information between self and others and across the organization; encourages the open expression of ideas and opinions.

Adaptability: Responds resourcefully, flexibly, and positively when faced with new challenges and demands. Willingly and effectively deals with the stress and complexities of various situations. Moves forward productively under conditions of change or uncertainty.

Education and Experience:

• BS (5–6 yrs), MS (3–4 yrs), or PhD (0–2 yrs) in Biochemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related life sciences discipline.
• Hands-on experience developing or supporting protein recovery and purification processes using filtration (depth, micro, UF/DF, TFF) and centrifugation-based separations.
• Working knowledge of flocculation and clarification strategies, including parameter screening and scale-up considerations.
• Understanding of membrane performance principles, including fouling, flux behavior, and device selection (e.g., hollow fiber, spiral wound, flat sheet).
• Experience performing in-process testing and basic protein analytics (e.g., UV-Vis, turbidity, SDS-PAGE) to support process evaluation.
• Ability to independently design, execute, and interpret experiments with appropriate scientific documentation.

About Us:

Headquartered in Natick, MA, we have all the perks you can find in Cambridge (short distance to lunch, shopping, etc.) and more perks that you can't:

• Ample free parking
• Easy/quick access to Route 9 and Mass Pike (equal distance to Route 495 or Route 95/128)

Anagram Therapeutics offers competitive compensation, including equity, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, short- and long-term disability, AD&D, 401(k) retirement plan, and an Employee Referral Program.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any applicant because of race, creed, color, age, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, veteran status, military status, application for military service or any other class protected by state or federal law.

careers@anagramtx.com