Translational Development Operations Specialist

Kelly Services; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Kelly Science & Clinical is seeking a Translational Development Operations Specialist to support nonclinical ocular development programs. The role combines scientific understanding with strong project coordination, technical writing, and organizational skills.

You will monitor studies, coordinate with CROs and external partners, conduct literature research, and assist with study reports and other technical documentation to keep programs organized and on schedule.

Qualifications

• BS/BA in a life sciences discipline such as Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Vision Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field.
• MS degree preferred for Scientist I-level candidates.

Responsibilities

• Monitor ongoing nonclinical in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies, tracking timelines and data flow; escalate issues to project representatives.
• Serve as day-to-day liaison between internal project representatives, CROs, testing labs, and external partners.
• Route study-related questions; track action items; follow up on deliverables; maintain communication records.
• Build, standardize, populate, and maintain study report templates, trackers, and tools for consistency across programs.
• Conduct literature searches related to ocular therapeutics, medical devices, disease models, and nonclinical methodologies.
• Review and summarize published literature into concise, decision-ready scientific summaries and reference tables.
• Assist with drafting, compiling, formatting, and quality-checking nonclinical study reports, protocols, summaries, data tables, and figures.
• Support document management activities, including filing, version control, and preparation of materials for internal review.
• Provide additional operational and scientific project support as priorities evolve.

Skills

Literature searching

Scientific writing

Project coordination

Documentation practices

Interpersonal communication

Education

BS/BA in life sciences

MS degree preferred

Tools

Reference management software

Scientific literature databases

Job description

Translational Development Operations Specialist

Kelly® Science & Clinical is seeking a Translational Development Operations Specialist to support nonclinical ocular development programs. This opportunity is ideal for a life sciences professional who combines scientific understanding with strong project coordination, technical writing, and organizational skills.

In this role, you will provide hands‑on operational and scientific support to Translational Development project representatives, helping execute the day‑to‑day activities that keep nonclinical programs organized, documented, and on schedule. You will monitor studies, coordinate with Contract Research Organizations (CROs) and external partners, conduct scientific literature research, and assist with the preparation of study reports and other technical documentation.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor ongoing nonclinical in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies, tracking timelines, milestones, deliverables, and data flow while escalating potential issues to project representatives.

• Serve as a day‑to‑day liaison between internal project representatives, CROs, testing laboratories, and other external partners.

• Route study‑related questions, track action items, follow up on outstanding deliverables, and maintain clear communication records.

• Build, standardize, populate, and maintain study report templates, trackers, and operational tools to improve consistency and efficiency across programs.

• Conduct scientific literature searches related to ocular therapeutics, medical devices, disease models, and nonclinical methodologies.

• Review and summarize published literature into concise, decision‑ready scientific summaries and reference tables.

• Assist with drafting, compiling, formatting, and quality‑checking nonclinical study reports, protocols, summaries, data tables, and figures.

• Support document management activities, including filing, version control, document organization, and preparation of materials for internal review.

• Provide additional operational and scientific project support as program needs and priorities evolve.

Key Relationships

Internal Partners:

Translational Development project representatives and functional leadership; nonclinical/preclinical study directors; Regulatory Affairs; Medical Writing; and Document Management.

External Partners:

Contract Research Organizations (CROs), testing laboratories, and academic collaborators supporting nonclinical ocular studies.

Qualifications

Education

• BS/BA in a life sciences discipline such as Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Vision Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field.

• MS degree preferred for Scientist I-level candidates.

Experience

• Associate Scientist: 0–2 years of relevant laboratory, CRO, research‑support, or related life sciences experience.

• Scientist I: 2+ years of relevant experience, including exposure to nonclinical study conduct and/or scientific documentation.

• Familiarity with nonclinical study design and execution.

• Awareness of GLP and regulated nonclinical documentation practices preferred.

• Ophthalmic, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or medical device experience preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong scientific literature searching and critical appraisal skills.

• Scientific and technical writing experience.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Familiarity with reference‑management software and scientific literature databases.

• Ability to effectively manage multiple concurrent projects and shifting priorities.

• Proactive, can‑do approach with a willingness to step in wherever needed, including routine operational tasks.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills when working with internal stakeholders and external CRO partners.

• Highly organized and detail‑oriented, with strong ownership of tasks and dependable follow‑through.

• Collaborative team player who works effectively in a fast‑paced, matrixed environment.

Why Kelly Science & Clinical?

Kelly Science & Clinical connects talented scientific professionals with opportunities where their skills can make an impact. Through Kelly, you'll have access to career opportunities with organizations advancing pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and life sciences innovation.

Kelly is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing opportunities to qualified individuals consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work‑related resources. Please note: The following benefits reflect Kelly's general offerings. Eligibility may vary by assignment, location, and job type. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short‑term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here (https://www.mykelly.com/help-support-working-with-kelly-us/#Benefits) for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly ® Science & Clinical?

Kelly Science & Clinical is your connection to premier scientific and clinical companies looking to hire industry experts just like you. Our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. Every day, we match science professionals with dream jobs that fit their skills, interests, and career goals—it’s the way we think job searching should be. Nearly 100 percent of our science recruiters have a professional background and education in science, so we know a thing or two about the science market and how to get your expertise noticed.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life—just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.

Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice (https://www.kellyservices.com/hubfs/myKelly/Resources/Employment_Policies/Recruitment-Artificial-Intelligence-Notice.pdf?hsLang=en) .

Kelly Services is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affidant employer. We welcome, value, and embrace diversity at all levels and are committed to building a team that is inclusive of a variety of backgrounds, communities, perspectives, and abilities. At Kelly, we believe that the more inclusive we are, the better services we can provide. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to Kelly’s Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment.