Associate Scientist I (Entry Level)

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

Job summary

R&D Partners is seeking an Associate Scientist I in San Carlos, CA, for a 12-month contract to contribute to conjugation, downstream polysaccharide and protein purification, and analytical characterization of polysaccharide-protein conjugates.

The role involves hands-on lab work, following SOPs, setting up multistep conjugation reactions, purifications by FPLC and TFF, and analytical assays such as SDS-PAGE and ELISA, with opportunities to support development, data analysis, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry or biochemistry with 1+ year related industry experience.
• 1-3 years laboratory experience (academic, internship, or industry).
• Hands-on experience with biochemical assays, ELISA, chromatography, and spectroscopy.
• Experience in regulated laboratory environments (GLP/GMP/CLIA) preferred.
• Proficiency in SDS-PAGE and Western blotting.
• Strong documentation and data integrity practices.
• Ability to follow SOPs independently and seek guidance when needed.
• Collaborative mindset and good communication.

Responsibilities

• Prepare buffers and support routine lab operations.
• Set up and execute multistep polysaccharide-protein conjugation reactions using click chemistry.
• Purify and process polysaccharides, proteins, and conjugates using FPLC, TFF, dialysis.
• Characterize proteins and polysaccharides using SDS-PAGE, ELISA, and chromatography-based methods.
• Develop and optimize protocols and assays under guidance of experienced scientists.
• Collect, analyze data, summarize results, and discuss next steps with the team.
• Maintain accurate lab records in Benchling for data integrity and traceability.
• Present experimental results and progress updates at team meetings.
• Collaborate with colleagues and external partners to support project goals.

Skills

Biochemical assays

ELISA

Cell culture

Chromatography

Spectroscopy

GLP/GMP/CLIA knowledge

Documentation

Communication skills

Aseptic technique

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry or biochemistry

Tools

Benchling

Job description

The Associate Scientist I will contribute to conjugation, downstream polysaccharide and protein purification and processing, and analytical characterization of polysaccharides, proteins, and polysaccharide-protein conjugates. The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of conjugation, column chromatography, tangential flow filtration, and related analytical principles, supported by hands‑on laboratory experience. The successful candidate will independently execute laboratory experiments following established protocols and standard operating procedures, with guidance on experimental design, troubleshooting, and interpretation. This individual will also support analytical development, stability studies, and process optimization as needed.

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

Responsibilities

• Prepare buffers and reagents and support routine laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance and laboratory organization.
• Set up and execute multistep polysaccharide-protein conjugation reactions using click chemistry and other relevant chemistries.
• Purify and process polysaccharides, proteins, and their conjugates using methods such as organic solvent extraction, acid treatment, dialysis, FPLC chromatography, tangential flow filtration (TFF), and microfluidization.
• Characterize proteins, polysaccharides, and their conjugates using SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, ELISA, colorimetric assays, and chromatography-based methods.
• Contribute to the development and optimization of protocols, assays, and laboratory procedures under the guidance of experienced scientists, including evaluating polysaccharide activation chemistries and their effects on conjugation.
• Collect and analyze experimental data, summarize results, and discuss observations and potential next steps with the team.
• Follow established protocol to detail and maintain accurate, complete, and organized laboratory records in Benchling to support data integrity, traceability, and reproducibility.
• Present experimental results and progress updates at team meetings and contribute to laboratory protocols and development reports.
• Collaborate with colleagues and external partners to support shared project goals and a productive, inclusive team environment.

Qualifications

• B.S. in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related discipline, with 1+ year of relevant industry experience, or a B.S. with at least 2 relevant internships or comparable laboratory experiences.
• 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) preferred.
• Proficiency in fundamental laboratory techniques, including aseptic sample handling, precision pipetting, SDS-PAGE, and Western blotting.
• Foundational understanding of protein and polysaccharide chemistry, purification processes, and analytical assay principles.
• Experience with purification methods such as dialysis, diafiltration, FPLC chromatography, and tangential flow filtration (TFF) is highly desirable.
• Experience with conjugation chemistry and analytical methods such as colorimetric‑based plate assays, ELISA, and chromatography‑based characterization is a plus.
• Ability to independently follow established protocols, recognize unexpected results, and seek guidance when needed.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to accurate documentation.
• Ability to support laboratory management, including coordination with vendors and service providers for equipment maintenance and service contracts.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across functions and contribute to shared project goals.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

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.