Associate Scientist I

Planet Pharma Group; San Carlos (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Pharma in California is seeking an Associate Scientist I to support biologics/vaccine development programs. This entry-to-early-career laboratory role will execute experiments, collect data, and support ongoing projects under the guidance of senior staff, with about 80% time in the lab and the ability to independently follow established procedures.

You will document results in reports and presentations, maintain detailed notebooks, and collaborate with R&D, QA/QC, and Regulatory Affairs

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of relevant laboratory experience (academic, internship, or industry)
• Hands-on experience with biochemical assays, ELISA, cell culture, chromatography, spectroscopy, or other role-specific methods
• Experience in a regulated laboratory environment (GLP, GMP, or CLIA) is preferred

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and non-routine laboratory experiments following established protocols and SOPs
• Accurately record, organize, and analyze data; summarize results in reports and presentations
• Maintain detailed and compliant laboratory notebooks (electronic or physical)
• Assist in design and optimization of experimental methods and assays
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory equipment and instrumentation
• Order and manage laboratory supplies, reagents, and materials
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards (GLP/GMP/CLIA)
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support project timelines
• Present findings at team meetings and contribute to internal reports or publications
• Troubleshoot experimental issues and propose solutions to senior team members
• Stay current with relevant literature and emerging techniques

Skills

Lab experience

ELISA / cell culture

GLP/GMP/CLIA exposure

Job description

The Associate Scientist I will support activities related to biologics/vaccine development programs and is an entry-to-early-career laboratory role responsible for executing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and supporting ongoing research projects under the guidance of senior scientific staff and is ideal for an early-career scientist seeking hands-on experience in a fast-paced analytical laboratory environment. This position will require >=80% time in the lab and this person will be able to independently follow experimental procedures and compile results in written and presentation formats.

Essential Functions

• Perform routine and non-routine laboratory experiments following established protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Accurately record, organize, and analyze experimental data; summarize results in reports and presentations
• Maintain detailed and compliant laboratory notebooks (electronic or physical)
• Assist in the design and optimization of experimental methods and assays
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory equipment and instrumentation
• Order and manage laboratory supplies, reagents, and materials
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, GLP/GMP standards, and institutional policies
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., R&D, QA/QC, Regulatory Affairs) to support project timelines
• Present findings at team meetings and contribute to internal reports or scientific publications
• Troubleshoot experimental issues and propose solutions to senior team members
• Stay current with relevant scientific literature and emerging techniques in the field

Skills

• 1-3 years of relevant laboratory experience (academic, internship, or industry)
• Hands-on experience with techniques such as biochemical assays, ELISA, cell culture, chromatography, spectroscopy, or other role-specific methods is preferred
• Experience working in a regulated laboratory environment (GLP, GMP, or CLIA) I preferred

Pay range: 36-46/hr DOE