Entry Level R&D Scientist

Randstad; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Job summary

Randstad USA in Cincinnati, OH seeks an entry-level R&D Scientist I to support analytical development, testing, and documentation within an expanding lab environment. The role emphasizes bench-scale wet chemistry, reagent prep, GDP, and adherence to safety standards.

The position is temporary-to-hire, offers hourly pay of $18–$25, and requires a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, or related science. Training and growth opportunities are provided in a collaborative setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline; OR High School Diploma with several years of hands-on laboratory experience.

Responsibilities

• Analytical & Developmental Testing: Execute routine analytical testing and support developmental testing workflows following established protocols, SOPs.
• Wet Chemistry & Bench Operations: Conduct benchtop testing using standard lab tools.
• Solution & Reagent Prep: Formulate and prepare standard reagents and test solutions.
• GDP: Record, verify, and maintain real-time observations and calculations per GDP.
• Routine Calibration & Maintenance: Calibrate and perform basic maintenance of laboratory instrumentation.
• Safety & Compliance: Follow chemical safety standards, PPE guidelines, and waste-handling protocols.
• Technical Communication: Report unexpected results or malfunctions to senior staff.

Skills

Analytical testing

GDP documentation

Wet chemistry

Bench operations

Reagent prep

Safety compliance

Equipment calibration

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor’s in Chemistry/Biology/Biochemistry/Microbiology

High School Diploma with lab experience

Tools

pH meters

Analytical balances

Pipettes

Glassware

HPLC (bonus)

Job description

Job summary: The R&D Scientist I performs analytical development, sample testing, and documentation to support laboratory expansion and research operations. Sharing the core technical skillset of the QC Scientist I track, this entry-level role is responsible for bench-scale wet chemistry testing, reagent preparation, and daily instrument operations. The role requires strict compliance with laboratory safety standards and Good Documentation Practices (GDP) within an active, expanding testing environment.

Location: Cincinnati, OH

Job type: Temp to hire

Salary: $18-25 per hour

Work hours: First shift, Monday through Friday

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline

Responsibilities

• Analytical & Developmental Testing: Execute routine analytical testing and support developmental testing workflows following established protocols, research methods, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Wet Chemistry & Bench Operations: Conduct foundational benchtop testing using standard laboratory tools, including pH meters, analytical balances, pipettes, and chemistry-grade glassware.
• Solution & Reagent Prep: Formulate and prepare standard reagents, diluents, and test solutions according to target specifications and analytical requirements.
• Good Documentation Practices (GDP): Accurately record, verify, and maintain real-time test observations, data, and calculations in full alignment with GDP standards.
• Routine Calibration & Maintenance: Execute routine calibrations, balance checks, and basic daily maintenance of laboratory instrumentation and work areas.
• Safety & Compliance: Adhere strictly to laboratory chemical safety standards, PPE guidelines, and waste-handling protocols.
• Technical Communication: Promptly report unexpected analytical results, equipment malfunctions, or protocol discrepancies to senior technical management.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline; OR
• High School Diploma (or equivalent) paired with several years of hands-on laboratory experience.

Experience Level:

• Less than 1 year of professional laboratory experience for degree holders (entry-level).
• Candidates with stronger Microbiology backgrounds are actively encouraged to apply.
• Familiarity with HPLC or chromatographic techniques is considered an added bonus, but not required.

#LI-AO1

Equal Opportunity Employer: Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status.

At Randstad, we welcome people of all abilities and want to ensure that our hiring and interview process meets the needs of all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to make your application or interview experience a great one, please contact [e-mail].

Pay offered to a successful candidate will be based on several factors including the candidate's education, work experience, work location, specific job duties, certifications, etc.

In addition, Randstad offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• medical, prescription, dental, vision, AD&D, and life insurance offerings, short-term disability, and a 401K plan (all benefits are based on eligibility).

This posting is open for thirty (30) days.