Scientist (Assay Development)

R&D Partners; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 79,000 - 98,000; 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 a Scientist for its Translational Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics group in San Francisco. You will contribute to drug discovery by developing and applying in vitro assays to characterize PK properties of therapeutic candidates.

The role requires hands-on ELISA and cell-based assays, automation experience, and the ability to communicate complex data to cross-functional teams. This 12-month contract is based in San Francisco, CA.

Qualifications

• 1+ years hands-on assay development experience in industry.
• Experience with Ligand Binding Assays (ELISA) and bioanalytical assay development.
• Hands-on experience operating and troubleshooting automated assay platforms.
• Strong focus on generating high‑quality, reproducible data across multiple projects.
• Cell culture maintenance and passaging is a plus.
• Experience with biomolecular interaction platforms (e.g., Octet, Biacore) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Execute biochemical and cell-based assays and develop automated assay workflows.
• Interpret and communicate scientific findings to cross-functional teams.
• Develop and follow assay protocols, analyze data, and document results.
• Author technical reports and present data and insights to teams.
• Contribute to a collaborative, high-performing laboratory environment.

Skills

Biochemical assay development

ELISA

Automation

Cross-functional teamwork

Scientific communication

Education

BS/MS in Biological Science or related discipline

Tools

Octet/Biacore

Mass spectrometry

Job description

We are hiring a Scientist to join our biotech client's Translational Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics department. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative drug discovery and development by developing and applying cutting‑edge in vitro assays that help characterize and optimize the pharmacokinetics properties of therapeutic candidates.

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

Responsibilities

• The successful candidate will be responsible for executing biochemical (e.g., ELISA) and cell‑based assays, as well as developing and optimizing automated assay workflows to support research and development projects.


• Beyond hands‑on laboratory work, you will play an important role in interpreting and communicating scientific findings.


• Responsibilities include developing and following assay protocols, analyzing and documenting experimental results, authoring technical reports, presenting data and insights to cross‑functional teams, and contributing to a collaborative, high‑performing laboratory environment.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Biological Science, Pharmaceutical Science, Biotechnology, Biochemistry or a related discipline (or sub‑discipline) with a minimum of 1 years of hands‑on assay development experience in an industry setting.


• Ligand Binding & Bioanalytical Assays: Proven experience and expertise with Ligand Binding Assays (e.g., ELISA) and bioanalytical assay development are required.


• Automation: Hands‑on experience operating and troubleshooting automated assay platforms is highly desired.


• Execution & Reliability: Strong dedication to generating high‑quality, reproducible data efficiently while managing multiple project timelines and working effectively both independently and in cross‑functional teams.


• Preferred Qualifications


• Cell Biology Techniques: Previous experience with cell culture maintenance and passaging is a major plus.


• Biophysical & Analytical Methods: Prior experience with mass spectrometry, biomolecular interaction platforms (e.g., Octet, Biacore), and other biochemical assay formats are preferred.


• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational, and task‑prioritization skills.


• $78,666-$98,322

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.