Senior Associate Scientist I

Planet Pharma Group; San Carlos (CA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Pharma in San Carlos, CA is seeking a Senior Associate Scientist to support biologics/vaccine development. The role blends hands-on lab work with growing scientific leadership and cross-functional influence.

You will execute routine and non-routine assays, maintain equipment, and draft technical reports while mentoring junior staff and contributing to project decisions. DOE applies to pay range 24-34/hr.

Qualifications

• BS in Chemistry; analytical chemistry preferred.
• Organic/biochemistry considered.
• Minimum 5 years' relevant industry experience or MS with 3 years.

Responsibilities

• Execute routine and non-routine analytical assays using modern analytical techniques.
• Mentor junior staff and drive project-level decisions.
• Prepare and present draft reports at meetings.
• Maintain lab equipment and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.

Skills

Industry experience

MS degree

Education

BS in Chemistry

MS in Chemistry

Job description

Duties

The Senior Associate Scientist will support activities related to biologics/vaccine development programs and is an experienced individual contributor who operates with a high degree of independence across the full lifecycle of laboratory projects. This individual is recognized as a technical expert in one or more scientific domains, takes ownership of complex experimental work, and plays a key role in mentoring junior staff and driving project-level decisions. This role bridges hands‑on laboratory execution with growing scientific leadership and cross‑functional influence. This role is responsible for executing routine and non‑routine analytical assays using modern analytical techniques, maintaining laboratory equipment and materials, and supporting overall laboratory operations in compliance with company safety and quality standards. 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. When seeking supervisorial input on difficult decisions, this role must be able to come prepared with proposals/options and underlying rationales, and may provide recommended course of action. This role will write complete draft reports and modify appropriately after review as well as present own technical work at small group, departmental meetings and ad hoc cross functional meetings.

Skills

1-3 years relevant industry experience or MS with minimum of 1 years relevant industry experience.

Education

BS in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry preferred, Organic / Biochemistry considered, with minimum of 5 years of relevant industry experience or MS with minimum of 3 years relevant industry experience.

Pay range: 24-34/hr DOE