Research Operations Coordinator - External Collaborations / CROs

Randstad USA; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Randstad USA in San Diego seeks an ERS Operations Specialist to bridge chemistry/biology research with operational execution on-site. The role focuses on managing CRO partnerships, logistics, data tracking, and project budgets to keep early research moving efficiently.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree in a related science, strong MS Office skills, and experience with data visualization tools. This contract role offers standard business hours and comprehensive benefits through Randstad.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Organic Chemistry, or related scientific discipline.
• Experience in life sciences with CRO/pharma exposure preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office; familiarity with data visualization tools is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent written/verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate external CRO partnerships and manage project deliverables.
• Oversee budgets and purchase orders; track spending against budgets.
• Manage logistics and shipments of biological materials and compounds.
• Analyze data and KPI metrics; build performance dashboards for leadership.
• Maintain documentation and optimize workflows for early-stage discovery programs.

Skills

MS-Excel

Records Management

Written/verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree (Chemistry/Biochemistry/Biology/Organic Chemistry or related)

Tools

Spotfire

BI platforms

Job description

Job Summary

Are you a scientist who thrives on keeping research moving at full speed? Join our global Early Research Sciences (ERS) team in San Diego as an ERS Operations Specialist. In this high-impact, on-site role, you will bridge the gap between chemistry/biology research and operational execution by managing external CRO partnerships, logistics, data tracking, and project budgets.

location: San Diego, California

job type: Contract

salary: $28 - 30 per hour

work hours: 9 to 5

education: Bachelors

Responsibilities

• External Collaborations: Serve as the primary liaison between internal research teams and CRO partners to coordinate project deliverables and agreement workflows.
• Budget & Procurement: Manage purchase orders, track project spending against approved budgets, and support financial forecasting.
• Sample & Logistics Management: Coordinate international and domestic shipments of biological materials and compounds, ensuring strict customs and import/export compliance.
• Data & KPI Tracking: Analyze cycle times, budget utilization, and collaborator metrics to build performance dashboards for leadership.
• Operational Excellence: Maintain documentation, optimize workflows, and prepare executive summaries for early-stage discovery programs.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Organic Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience: Background in life sciences with a strong grasp of scientific terminology, chemical compounds, and biological materials (pharma, biotech, or CRO experience preferred).
• Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Teams); familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Spotfire or BI platforms) is a plus.
• Core Competencies: Exceptional attention to detail, proven multi-tasking abilities, and strong written/verbal communication skills.
• Logistics & Admin: Knowledge of shipping regulations for scientific samples and budget/PO management experience.

skills: MS-EXCEL, Records Management

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.

Qualified applicants in San Francisco with criminal histories will be considered for employment in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

Qualifications (continued)

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

• Experience: Background in life sciences with a strong grasp of scientific terminology, chemical compounds, and biological materials (pharma, biotech, or CRO experience preferred).

• Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Teams); familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Spotfire or BI platforms) is a plus.

• Core Competencies: Exceptional attention to detail, proven multi-tasking abilities, and strong written/verbal communication skills.

• Logistics & Admin: Knowledge of shipping regulations for scientific samples and budget/PO management experience.