Associate Scientist I (Biochemical Assays)

R&D Partners; San Carlos (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401k plan

Employee Assistance Program

Long-term disability

Weekly payroll

Online timecard approval

Job summary

R&D Partners in San Carlos, CA seeks an Associate Scientist I to support biologics/vaccine programs. This entry-to-early-career role executes experiments, analyzes data, and collaborates with senior staff in a fast-paced analytical lab.

The position is lab-heavy (>80%) and based in San Carlos, CA on a 12-month contract. Responsibilities include routine and non-routine lab work, assay development, data documentation, and cross-functional collaboration with R&D, QA/QC, and Regulatory Affairs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant science with 0–2 years laboratory experience.
• Experience with biochemical assays, ELISA, cell culture, chromatography, spectroscopy.
• Experience in regulated GLP/GMP/CLIA environments is preferred.
• Proficiency in plate-based assays (BCA, Lowry, Picogreen, Anthrone), ELISA, SDS-PAGE, Western blot.
• General computer skills and MS Office; scientific software is a plus.
• Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practices.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and non-routine laboratory experiments following SOPs.
• Conduct analytical characterization of proteins, polysaccharides, and conjugates; run plate-based assays, SDS-PAGE, ELISA.
• Assist with development and transfer of analytical assays for pipeline projects.
• Run assays independently and troubleshoot deviations.
• Document results and maintain ELN in compliance with policies.
• Support routine lab activities including inventory and solutions preparation.
• Record, organize, and analyze data; summarize results in reports and presentations.
• Maintain compliant lab notebooks and assist in method optimization.
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain equipment; manage supplies.
• Ensure safety, GLP/GMP compliance, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Present findings at team meetings and contribute to reports/publications.

Skills

ELISA

SDS-PAGE

Western blot

Cell culture

GLP/GMP awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry/Biochemistry/Biology/Pharmaceutical Sciences

Tools

HPLC

Chromatography

Spectroscopy

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 position based in San Carlos, CA

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and non-routine laboratory experiments following established protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Conduct analytical characterization of protein, polysaccharide, and conjugated analytes using establish methods - e.g. plate-based assays (BCA, Lowry, picogreen, anthrone), SDS-PAGE, western blot, ELISA.
• Assist with development, optimization, and transfer of analytical assays that may come up as necessary in support of pipeline projects.
• Run established assays independently, identify and troubleshoot routine deviations such as out-of-range controls or system suitability failures.
• Document experimental results and maintain electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) in compliance with company policies.
• Support in routine laboratory activities (e.g., laboratory inventory, ordering/procuring standards, preparation of solutions and media as necessary).
• 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 on scientific literature and emerging technologies within area of expertise/interest.

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.
• 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) preferred.
• Hands-on experience with biochemistry and biomolecular analytical methods with proficiency in plate-based assays (BCA, lowry, picogreen, anthrone,), ELISA, SDS-PAGE, western blot.
• General computer skills, Microsoft Office products (experience with scientific software is a plus).
• Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practices.

Pay

• $30.84-$32.89/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.