Associate Scientist II (Liquid Chromatography)

R&D Partners; San Carlos (CA); On-site; USD 106,000 - 116,000; 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, is seeking an Associate Scientist II to support analytical testing and method development for biologics programs. The role performs routine and non-routine assays using modern analytical techniques and contributes to method optimization and troubleshooting under supervision.

The 12-month contract requires hands-on laboratory experience, independence on routine tasks, and collaboration with senior scientists to drive experimental progress and quality outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 2+ years or Master’s with 1+ years in analytical development, QC, or related field.
• Hands-on experience with chromatography, electrophoresis, or immunoassays.
• Experience supporting method development or optimization.
• Strong understanding of analytical chemistry/biochemistry principles.
• Experience with data interpretation and documentation.
• Attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and non-routine analytical testing using modern analytical methods.
• Prepare samples, reagents, standards, and buffers per protocols.
• Execute assays following approved methods, SOPs, and quality standards.
• Process data and summarize findings for senior scientists.
• Maintain accurate lab records in notebooks or electronic systems.
• Support method development, optimization, and qualification activities.
• Assist in experimental design to evaluate parameters and robustness.
• Troubleshoot assay performance and instrument issues with proposed solutions.
• Participate in method transfer activities and documentation.
• Draft and revise analytical methods, SOPs, protocols, and reports.
• Coordinate instrument service and vendor interactions as needed.
• Ensure lab organization, cleanliness, and proper storage of materials.
• Manage reagent and consumable inventory; assist procurement.
• Follow all EHS policies and lab safety practices.
• Handle chemicals and biological materials safely and in compliance.
• Support audit and inspection readiness activities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet timelines.
• Provide clear communication on progress, risks, and results.
• Contribute to a compliant and scientifically rigorous lab culture.

Skills

LCMS

HPLC/UPLC

SEC

CE

UV-Vis

Electrophoresis

Plate-based assays

Analytical testing

Method development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry/Biochemistry/Biology/Pharmaceutical Sciences (2+ years)

Master's degree in related field (1+ years)

Tools

Analytical software

Data analysis tools

Job description

We are hiring an Associate Scientist II to support analytical testing and method development activities for biologics development programs. This role will perform routine and non-routine analytical assays using modern analytical techniques and will contribute to method optimization, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives under supervision. The position requires demonstrated hands-on laboratory experience, strong technical execution, and the ability to work independently on routine tasks while supporting more complex development activities.

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

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and non-routine analytical testing using modern analytical methods (e.g., LCMS, HPLC/UPLC, SEC, CE, UV-Vis, electrophoresis, plate-based assays, and other biochemical or biophysical techniques).
• Prepare samples, reagents, standards, and buffers according to established protocols.
• Execute assays in accordance with approved methods, SOPs, and applicable quality standards (GLP/GMP as applicable).
• Perform data processing and preliminary interpretation; summarize findings for review by senior scientists.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in laboratory notebooks or electronic systems.
• Support method development, optimization, and qualification activities under the guidance of senior scientists.
• Assist in designing experiments to evaluate method parameters and robustness.
• Troubleshoot assay performance issues and instrument-related problems, proposing potential solutions for review.
• Participate in method transfer activities, including protocol execution and documentation.
• Contribute to drafting and revising analytical methods, SOPs, protocols, and technical reports.
• Coordinate instrument service activities and assist with vendor interactions as needed.
• Ensure laboratory organization, cleanliness, and proper material storage.
• Manage inventory of reagents, standards, and consumables; assist with procurement and restocking.
• Follow all Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) policies and laboratory safety practices.
• Handle chemicals and biological materials safely and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Ensure proper waste disposal and adherence to hazardous material handling procedures.
• Support audit and inspection readiness activities where applicable.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support project timelines and deliverables.
• Provide clear communication on experimental progress, risks, and results.
• Contribute to a positive, compliant, and scientifically rigorous laboratory culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline with 2+ years, or Master’s degree with 1+ years of relevant laboratory experience in analytical development, QC, or related field. Other combinations of education and/or experience may be considered.
• Hands-on experience with analytical techniques such as chromatography, electrophoresis, or immunoassays is required.
• Experience supporting method development or optimization activities preferred.
• Solid understanding of analytical chemistry or biochemistry principles.
• Experience with method troubleshooting and data interpretation.
• Familiarity with analytical software and data analysis tools.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently on routine assignments and manage multiple tasks.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a laboratory environment for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) required.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and safety-focused laboratory culture.

Pay

• $106,080-$116,480

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.