Associate Scientist II

R&D Partners; San Carlos (CA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 58,000; 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 is seeking an Associate Scientist II in San Carlos, California, to support biologics/vaccine development programs. The role involves hands-on lab work >80% of time, data collection, and reporting under supervision of senior staff.

The 12-month contract is based in San Carlos, CA, with opportunities to contribute to cross-functional teams (R&D, QA/QC, Regulatory Affairs) and develop analytical assays for pipeline projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biology or pharmaceutical sciences.
• 3–5 years of relevant laboratory experience.
• Experience with biochemistry and biomolecular analyses (HPLC, SEC-MALS, ELISA, SDS-PAGE, western blot).
• Experience in a regulated GLP/GMP/CLIA lab.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and non-routine lab experiments following SOPs.
• Record, organize, and analyze data; present results in reports.
• Maintain compliant notebooks (ELN).
• Assist in design and optimization of methods.
• Ensure safety and GLP/GMP compliance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support timelines.

Skills

Laboratory skills

Data analysis

Documentation

Cross-functional teamwork

Problem solving

Education

Chemistry / Biochemistry / Biology / Pharmaceutical Sciences degree

Tools

HPLC

SEC-MALS

ELISA

SDS-PAGE

Western blot

Job description

The Associate Scientist II will support activities related to biologics/vaccine development programs and is responsible for executing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and supporting ongoing research projects under the guidance of senior scientific staff. This position 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.
• 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 material.
• 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.
• Conduct analytical characterization of protein, polysaccharide, and conjugated analytes using established methods - e.g. HPLC, SEC-MALS, CE-SDS, cIEF, plate-based assays (BCA, residual DNA, anthrone), ELISA, SDS-PAGE, western blot.
• Screen monoclonal antibodies from external CRO and assist with shipping/receiving of related materials.
• Assist with development, optimization, and transfer of analytical assays that may come up as necessary in support of pipeline projects.
• Document experimental results and maintain electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) in compliance with company policies.
• Author technical reports, protocols, and SOPs.
• Present findings to team and department meetings.
• Support in routine laboratory activities (e.g., laboratory inventory, ordering/procuring standards, preparation of solutions and media as necessary).

Qualifications

• Bachelors or Master's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences.
• 3-5 years of relevant laboratory experience (academic, internship, or industry).
• Hands-on experience with biochemistry and biomolecular analytical methods with proficiency in HPLC, SEC-MALS, plate-based assays (BCA, lowry, picogreen, anthrone,), ELISA, SDS-PAGE, western blot.
• Experience working in a regulated laboratory environment (GLP, GMP, or CLIA).
• Ability to contribute to the overall lab management, including reagent and sample organization.
• Proficiency in running multiple projects and demonstrated success working in a cross-functional team environment.
• Knowledge of general chemistry principles coupled with problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• General computer skills, Microsoft Office products (experience with scientific software is a plus).
• Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practices.

Pay

• $38.85-$42.18/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.