Associate Research Scientist / Research Scientist

Smithers-Pds-; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 75,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental plan

Vision plan

401K retirement plan

PTO

Job summary

Smithers PDS LLC is seeking an Associate Research Scientist or Research Scientist in Gaithersburg, MD. The role focuses on design, development and feasibility of bioanalytical assays (PK, ADA, Nab) across GLP, GCP, and CLIA compliant labs.

The candidate will contribute to method development, validation, and data analysis with experience in immunological assay development. It is an exempt, salaried on-site position with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in Biological or Physical Sciences with 3–5 years of relevant experience; or
• MS in relevant field with 1–2 years of relevant experience; or
• PhD with 2 years’ experience in immunological assay development

Responsibilities

• Adherence to laboratory health and safety procedures
• Adherence to SOPs and applicable company policies
• Ensure materials and equipment are maintained
• Report if compliance issues arise
• Collaborate across levels to accomplish deliverables and quality standards

Skills

Immunological assay development

Assay troubleshooting

Training & technical guidance

Independent work management

Team collaboration

Education

BA/BS in Biological or Physical Sciences

MS in relevant field

PhD in biology, life sciences, or chemistry field

Tools

Watson LIMS database

MS Word

Excel

Statistical software

Job description

Associate Research Scientist / Research Scientist

Job Category: Operations

Requisition Number: ASSOC002430

• Posted : October 12, 2026
• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

Showing 1 location

Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA

Description

Smithers PDS LLC (Pharmaceutical Development Services) brings new drugs to market by providing pre-clinical and clinical services for all phases of drug development. PDS works with customers to develop new methods, validate existing methods, as well as performing the assays necessary to analyze samples from patients on more than 100 clinical trials currently in different phases of the FDA regulated drug approval process. Our expert scientists perform large molecule bioanalysis, assay development, validation, and sample analysis at our GLP, GCP, and CLIA compliant laboratories.

Smithers is seeking a talented Associate Research Scientist or Research Scientist with expertise in bioanalytical assays (PK, ADA, Nab). The job level will be commensurate with previously related experience. The individual will be responsible for design, development and feasibility of new assays.

This position is salaried and is classified as an exempt position. Exempt employees typically work 40 hours or more to adequately perform their responsibilities. Extended work hours may be necessary to support the business in meeting client deliverable commitments.

The annualized salary range for an Associate Research Scientist or Research Scientist position is $75,000 - $100,000 or $86,000 - $117,000, respectively. Experience and qualifications will determine salary and job level. Smithers PDS offers a comprehensive health insurance package including a choice of 3 medical plans, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401K retirement plan and PTO.

The qualifications for this role are:

• Associate Research Scientist:
• BA/BS in Biological or Physical Sciences and at least 3 - 5 years of relevant experience; or
• MS in relevant field and at least 1-2 years of relevant experience
• Research Scientist:
• BS/BA in biology, life sciences, or chemistry field and at least 5 years’ experience in immunological assay development;or
• MS in biology, life sciences, or chemistry field and 4 years’ experience in immunological assay development; or
• PhD in biology, life sciences, or chemistry field and 2 years’ experience in immunological assay development;
• Understanding of bioanalytical assays (various design and platforms)
• Experience supporting or leading method development and validation studies
• Experience with assay troubleshooting
• Ability to assist with training and provide technical guidance to more junior scientists as needed
• Prior CRO and GLP, GCP, and/or CLIA experience a plus
• Experience with automated laboratory systems a plus
• Experience in drafting SOPs a plus

Corporate Responsibilities:

• Adherence to laboratory health and safety procedures
• Adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Adherence to applicable company policies and guidelines
• Adherence to federal and/or local regulations, as applicable
• Ensures appropriate reporting when there is reason to believe compliance with regulations, policies, guidelines, SOPs, quality, or other criteria are not being observed or enforced
• Ensure materials and equipment are maintained

Standard Requirements:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Proficient in advanced computer applications including MS Word, Excel, statistical programs, and Watson LIMS database
• Able to work independently and manage priorities, as well as operate as a team member
• Must be solution oriented and open to input
• Must be able to comfortably and successfully operate in a dynamic environment with shifting priorities
• Must be able to collaborate and partner at all levels of the organization to accomplish deliverables and meet quality standards

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Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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