Scientist II (ELISA/PCR)

R&D Partners; San Carlos (CA); On-site; USD 96,000 - 107,000; 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 seeks a Scientist II to advance analytical testing and method development. You will perform routine and non-routine assays, develop methods, and support troubleshooting with cross-functional teams. Strong documentation and data interpretation are essential.

The role emphasizes independent planning, execution, and communication of results, while maintaining safety and quality in a dynamic lab environment in San Carlos, CA.

Qualifications

• PhD, MS or BS in Chemistry/Biochemistry/Biology/Pharmaceutical Sciences with 2–10 years of relevant experience.
• Strong hands-on experience with multiple analytical techniques and data interpretation.
• Experience independently driving method development or optimization preferred.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to method development, optimization, and qualification/validation readiness activities.

Skills

Analytical method development

Troubleshooting

Data interpretation

Root-cause analysis

Documentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Project planning

Written and verbal communication

Mentoring

Laboratory safety

Education

PhD, MS or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry/Biochemistry/Biology/Pharmaceutical Sciences

Tools

HPLC/UPLC

SEC

CE

UV-Vis

ELISA

SDS-PAGE

icIEF

Mass Spectrometry

Enzyme kinetics

PCR

Job description

We are hiring a Scientist II to support analytical testing and method development activities. This role performs routine and non-routine analytical assays using modern analytical techniques, supports method optimization and troubleshooting efforts, and contributes to continuous improvement initiatives with moderate supervision while partnering effectively with cross-functional teams. The position requires demonstrated hands-on laboratory experience, strong technical execution, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to independently plan and execute assigned work, analyze and interpret data, and escalat and/or drive investigations as needed. This role authors and maintains clear technical documentation, including method protocols, method development summaries, and SOPs, and communicates experimental results and conclusions to internal stakeholders.

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

Responsibilities

• Contribute to method development, optimization, and qualification/validation readiness activities.
• Design and execute experiments to evaluate critical method parameters and define appropriate system suitability and control strategies.
• Troubleshoot assay and instrument performance issues using a structured approach; interpret data to identify likely root causes, implement corrective actions, and document outcomes and recommendations.
• Support and/or execute method transfer activities, including protocol preparation, training support, execution at receiving labs, and resolution of transfer issues.
• Author and revise analytical methods, SOPs, protocols, and technical reports; ensure clear documentation of experimental rationale, results, and conclusions for internal review and stakeholder communication.
• Partner effectively with cross-functional teams to define analytical plans, meet project timelines, and deliver high-quality outputs.
• Communicate experimental progress, data interpretation, and emerging risks clearly; propose mitigation plans and align next steps with stakeholders.
• Contribute to a compliant, safety-focused, and scientifically rigorous lab culture, model good documentation practices and data integrity expectations.
• Train and mentor junior staff/new team members on assays, workflows, and troubleshooting; provide day-to-day technical guidance and feedback.
• Perform routine and non-routine analytical testing using modern analytical methods (e.g., HPLC/UPLC, SEC, CE, UV-Vis, ELISA, electrophoresis, plate-based assays, and other biochemical/biophysical techniques).
• Execute assays in accordance with approved methods, SOPs, and applicable quality standards (GLP/GMP as applicable); identify and troubleshoot common issues.
• Perform data processing and interpretation; summarize results, trends, and potential risks, and elevate complex findings for review and decision-making.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation in laboratory notebooks or electronic systems; contribute to clear technical communications to project and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Coordinate routine instrument maintenance and service activities; interface with vendors as needed and support timely issue resolution.
• Ensure laboratory organization, cleanliness, and compliant material labeling/storage practices.
• Manage inventory of reagents, standards, and consumables; initiate procurement, track critical supplies, and support forecasting to avoid stockouts.
• 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.

Qualifications

• PhD, MS or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline. PhD with 2-5 years; MS with 7+ years; BS/BA with 10+ years of relevant industry experience in analytical development, QC, or related field. Other combinations of education and/or experience may be considered.
• Strong hands-on experience with multiple analytical techniques, such as UV-Vis, HPLC, CE, SDS-PAGE, icIEF, Liquid chromatography, Mass Spectrometry, enzyme kinetics, colorimetric and fluorescent plate-based assays, ELISA, Western Blot, and PCR.
• Experience independently driving method development or optimization activities preferred.
• Strong knowledge of analytical chemistry/biochemistry principles with demonstrated application to assay development and control strategies.
• Proven ability to independently troubleshoot non-routine assay and instrument issues using structured root-cause analysis and data-driven decision making.
• Proficient with analytical software, data processing workflows, and statistical tools.
• Strong scientific judgment and attention to detail consistently produces high-quality, inspection-ready documentation.
• Ability to independently plan and prioritize work, manage multiple projects, and meet timelines with minimal supervision.
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication; able to summarize complex data, present recommendations, and collaborate across functions.
• 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

• $70-$78/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.