Research Associate, Reagent Quality Control

Nautilus Biotechnology
Nautilus Biotechnology

Quality Assurance · Full-time

San Carlos, CA, USA

Posted on Sep 19, 2026

At Nautilus, we have a big and important mission: improve the health of millions by unleashing the potential of the proteome to accelerate drug development and enable a new world of precision and personalized medicine. We are developing a single-molecule protein analysis platform of unprecedented sensitivity, scale, and ease of use that we believe will democratize access to the proteome – one of the most dynamic and valuable sources of biological insight. To accomplish this, we are pursuing hard scientific problems with an entrepreneurial mindset and creating a world-class team of builders, innovators, and dreamers across a wide range of disciplines.

We are hiring for a Research Associate, Reagent Quality Control to join our growing team. This role will support Operations to execute and optimizing QC methods for in-coming inspections and in-house reagent production.

You will execute on our existing analytical methods — HPLC, gel electrophoresis, and plate-based assays — and perform them routinely to support reagent QC. Maintain batch records and documents for all the QC’s performed and assist in improvements of these documents. This position reports to the Director of Operations-Reagents and is located in San Carlos, CA.

Responsibilities

  • Perform plate-based assays to support reagent QC and new reagent validation.

  • Perform HPLC and gel electrophoresis to support reagent QC and new method development.

  • Performing lot release, stability testing, and qualification of critical reagents.

  • Collaborate with senior team members to optimize existing QC methods and develop new analytical methods.

  • Ensure data quality by staying highly organized and detail-oriented and following best practices.

  • Maintain and organize work areas, including hoods, benches, chemical storage, and waste disposal.

  • Prepare buffers, maintaining inventory, and calibrating and maintaining laboratory instruments.

  • Problem-solving: Troubleshooting failed assays or equipment malfunctions.

  • Author and contribute to Standard Operating Procedures, Test Methods, Development Reports, and other documentation.

Required Qualifications

  • 1+ year of industry experience with MS or 2+ years with BS in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or another related field.

  • Experience with HPLC and/or FPLC (AKTA), gel electrophoresis, BLI and plate-based assays.

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

  • Desire to work in a highly cross-functional, fast-paced environment.

  • Willingness to learn and grow within a transformative company.

Nautilus Team Culture

  • We are determined to do whatever it takes to get our platform into the hands of researchers who will use it to upend the status quo in basic research and healthcare.

  • We work on cross functional teams, wear many hats, take risks to work through uncertainty, enjoy working collaboratively on challenging problems, and celebrate one another’s victories.

  • We go above and beyond, but also strive to provide a supportive atmosphere of colleagues who are willing to lend a helping hand and make working at Nautilus not only fulfilling in its end goals, but enjoyable on a day-to-day basis.