Associate Scientist

Kelly Services; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401K

Paid time off

Holiday pay

Transit benefits

Job summary

Kelly Science and Clinical FSP is seeking an Associate Scientist for a long-term engagement in La Jolla, CA. The role supports RNA manufacturing process development, purification, and chromatographic studies, with hands-on AKTA chromatography and Unicorn software experience.

The candidate will join a collaborative team, contribute to analytical testing, and maintain rigorous documentation while following EHSS policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific field is required; master’s preferred and PhD candidates are welcome.
• 2–4 years of RNA modality experience with process development is expected.
• Experience with RNA purification and related methodologies is preferred.
• Hands-on AKTA chromatography and Unicorn software experience is required.
• Strong organization and excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support RNA manufacturing process development through purification and chromatographic studies.
• Assist in system programming, preparation, maintenance, and cleaning of AKTA systems.
• Set up lab-scale process equipment for experiments and document results.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on analytical testing and data outcomes.
• Maintain accurate records and comply with EHSS policies; contribute to process improvements.

Skills

RNA modalities

RNA purification

AKTA chromatography

Unicorn software

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in science

Master’s degree preferred

PhD candidates accepted

Tools

AKTA chromatography system

Unicorn software

Job description

Kelly Science and Clinical FSP is currently seeking an Associate Scientist for a long-term engagement with one of our Global Pharmaceutical clients in La Jolla, CA.

This person will join our Kelly FSP (Functional Service Provider) division, a managed solution provider and business unit of Kelly Services, Inc. This role is full-time and is offering full benefit options. As a Kelly FSP employee you may be eligible for Medical, Dental, Vison, 401K, and a variety of other benefits to choose from. You may also be eligible for paid time off, including holiday, vacation, and sick/personal time.

Associate Scientist Qualifications:

a) Minimum Education Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in scientific field, master’s degree preferred. Will accept PhD candidates

b) Minimum Experience:

• 2 – 4 years of experience in RNA modalities, process development
• Strong Knowledge of RNA purification or chemical engineering or related scientific methodologies is highly preferred.
• Hands-on experience of process development methodologies is required.
• Hands-on experience with AKTA chromatography system and Unicorn software is required.
• Should be highly organized and must possess excellent communication (oral and written) skills.
• Highly organized and capable of working in a team environment with a positive attitude under limited supervision.

c) Location:

• Must be local to La Jolla, CA

Responsibilities:

• Support RNA manufacturing process development by assisting in RNA purification and chromatographic studies.
• Aid and support system programming, preparation, maintenance, solving, and cleaning AKTA chromatography systems.
• Setup process equipment for lab-scale experiments.
• Collaborate with process development and multi-functional colleagues on analytical testing and sample results.
• Work in a team environment as well as contributing individually to meet project timelines and objectives.
• Keep accurate records, follow instructions, and align with company and EHSS policies.
• Implement improvement projects to strengthen overall lab proficiencies.
• Be accountable for good documentation of experiments.

As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Please note: The following benefits reflect Kelly's general offerings. Eligibility may vary by assignment, location, and job type. 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 (https://www.mykelly.com/help-support-working-with-kelly-us/#Benefits) 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.

Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice (https://www.kellyservices.com/hubfs/myKelly/Resources/Employment_Policies/Recruitment-Artificial-Intelligence-Notice.pdf?hsLang=en) .

Kelly Services is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Aff