Associate Scientist I

Viltis; San Carlos (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Viltis is seeking an entry‑to‑early‑career Associate Scientist I to support biologics and vaccine development programs in San Carlos, CA. This onsite, contract role focuses on executing experiments, collecting data, and contributing to ongoing research initiatives under senior staff supervision.

The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, or related fields and hands‑on lab experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, or related field.
• 0–2 years of bench experience in analytical development or related area.
• Hands-on lab experience and ability to follow SOPs.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and non-routine laboratory experiments following established protocols and SOPs.
• Support research activities related to biologics, vaccines, and analytical development programs.
• Independently execute established experimental procedures and accurately document results.
• Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret experimental data.
• Summarize scientific findings in technical reports, presentations, and lab documentation.
• Maintain accurate and compliant lab notebooks, including electronic lab records when applicable.
• Assist in the design, development, and optimization of experimental methods and analytical assays.
• Perform laboratory techniques such as biochemical assays, ELISA, chromatography, spectroscopy, and other applicable analytical methods.
• Operate, calibrate, troubleshoot, and maintain laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• Prepare laboratory reagents, buffers, solutions, and experimental materials.
• Manage laboratory inventory, supplies, and sample organization.
• Identify experimental deviations, troubleshoot routine laboratory issues, and recommend solutions to senior scientific staff.
• Collaborate with Research and Development, QA, QC, Regulatory Affairs, and other cross-functional teams.
• Present experimental findings during team meetings and contribute to internal scientific reports.
• Follow established laboratory safety procedures, GLP, and applicable quality standards.
• Stay current with scientific literature, emerging technologies, and relevant research methodologies.

Skills

Laboratory skills

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or related discipline

Tools

ELISA

Chromatography

Spectroscopy

Microsoft Office

Electronic lab notebooks

Job description

Scientific

San Carlos, California Contract Nov 11, 2026

Associate Scientist I – Research (Biologics & Vaccine Development)

Location: San Carlos, CA (Onsite)

Employment Type: Contract

Contract Duration: Approximately 12 Months

Schedule: 40 Hours per Week | 5 Days per Week

Start Date: August 17, 2026

Estimated End Date: August 17, 2027

Industry: Biotechnology / Vaccine Development

Position Overview

Viltis is seeking a motivated Associate Scientist I – Research to support biologics and vaccine development programs for one of our biotechnology clients in San Carlos, California.

This entry‑to‑early‑career laboratory position will focus on executing scientific experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and supporting ongoing research initiatives under the guidance of senior scientific staff.

The ideal candidate will have a strong educational foundation in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, or a related discipline, along with hands‑on laboratory experience and an interest in biotechnology research.

This opportunity is well suited for an early‑career scientist looking to expand their technical expertise in a collaborative, fast‑paced research environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform routine and non‑routine laboratory experiments following established protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Support research activities related to biologics, vaccines, and analytical development programs.
• Independently execute established experimental procedures and accurately document results.
• Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret experimental data.
• Summarize scientific findings in technical reports, presentations, and laboratory documentation.
• Maintain accurate and compliant laboratory notebooks, including electronic laboratory records when applicable.
• Assist in the design, development, and optimization of experimental methods and analytical assays.
• Perform laboratory techniques such as biochemical assays, ELISA, chromatography, spectroscopy, and other applicable analytical methods.
• Operate, calibrate, troubleshoot, and maintain laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• Prepare laboratory reagents, buffers, solutions, and experimental materials.
• Manage laboratory inventory, supplies, and sample organization.
• Identify experimental deviations, troubleshoot routine laboratory issues, and recommend solutions to senior scientific staff.
• Collaborate with Research and Development, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Regulatory Affairs, and other cross‑functional teams.
• Present experimental findings during team meetings and contribute to internal scientific reports.
• Follow established laboratory safety procedures, Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and applicable quality standards.
• Stay current with scientific literature, emerging technologies, and relevant research methodologies.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
• Approximately 0–2 years of relevant laboratory experience in analytical development, quality control, research, or a related field. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Foundational knowledge of laboratory research methods, analytical techniques, and scientific experimentation.
• Hands‑on experience performing laboratory experiments through academic research, internships, or industry employment.
• Familiarity with biochemical assays, ELISA, chromatography, spectroscopy, cell culture, or related laboratory techniques.
• Ability to follow established experimental protocols independently and maintain accurate laboratory records.
• Strong understanding of general chemistry and laboratory safety principles.
• Good analytical reasoning, scientific problem‑solving abilities, and attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational and time‑management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional scientific teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and general computer software.

Preferred Qualifications

• One to three years of relevant laboratory experience, including academic research, internships, or biotechnology industry experience.
• Experience supporting biologics, pharmaceutical, or vaccine development programs.
• Familiarity with analytical method development and assay optimization.
• Experience working in GLP, GMP, CLIA, or other regulated laboratory environments.
• Exposure to conjugate vaccine development.
• Experience using electronic laboratory notebooks or scientific data analysis software.
• Familiarity with protein characterization, biochemical assays, or biomolecular analysis.

Work Environment

• Laboratory‑based contract position in San Carlos, California.
• Requires a substantial onsite laboratory presence, with at least 80% of working time spent performing hands‑on laboratory activities.
• Standard schedule of 40 hours per week, five days per week.
• Collaborative biotechnology research and development environment.

About Viltis

Viltis is a specialized life sciences recruiting and consulting firm connecting talented professionals with innovative pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and diagnostics organizations.

Viltis is an equal opportunity employer.