Associate Scientist I

R&D Partners; San Carlos (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

R&D Partners is seeking an Associate Scientist I for a 12-month contract in San Carlos, CA. You will perform routine and non-routine lab experiments, collect and analyze data, and present findings under senior staff in a fast-paced analytical lab with >80% time in the lab.

Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor's in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or related field with 0–2 years of lab experience; hands-on experience with ELISA, chromatography, spectroscopy or cell culture, and GLP/GMP familiarity

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a chemical/biological science and 0–2 years in analytical development, QC, or related field.
• 0–2 years of relevant laboratory experience.
• Hands-on experience with biochemical assays such as ELISA, chromatography, spectroscopy or cell culture; GLP/GMP familiarity preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and non-routine laboratory experiments following SOPs.
• Record, organize, and analyze data; summarize results in reports/presentations.
• Maintain detailed, compliant laboratory notebooks (electronic or paper).
• Assist in designing and optimizing experimental methods and assays.
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• Ensure compliance with safety and GLP/GMP standards.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Data recording & reporting

Protocol following

Safety compliance

Presenting results

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry/ Biochemistry/ Biology or related field

Tools

ELISA

Chromatography

Spectroscopy

Cell culture

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.

This is a 12-month contract based in San Carlos, California.

Responsibilities

• 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

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline with 0-2 relevant laboratory experience in analytical development, QC, or related field. Other combinations of education and/or experience may be considered.
• 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).

Pay

• $40.00-$44/hr

Why Choose R&D Partners?

As an employee, you have access to a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical insurance - PPO, HMO & HSA
• 401k plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Long-term disability
• Weekly payroll
• Online timecard approval

R&D Partners is a global functional service provider and strategic staffing resource specializing in scientific, clinical research & engineering. We provide job opportunities within major pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies.

R&D Partners is an equal-opportunity employer.