Associate Scientist I – Research (Biologics & Vaccine Development)

Location: San Carlos, California, US; onsite with at least 80% of working time spent on hands-on laboratory activities

Contract position for approximately 12 months, starting August 17, 2026, with an estimated end date of August 17, 2027. Schedule: 40 hours per week, five days per week.

Company

hirify.global is a life sciences recruiting and consulting firm connecting professionals with pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and diagnostics organizations.

What you will do

• Perform routine and non-routine laboratory experiments for biologics, vaccine, and analytical development programs.
• Execute established procedures, collect and analyze experimental data, and document results in laboratory notebooks and electronic records.
• Support method and assay design, development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Perform biochemical assays, ELISA, chromatography, spectroscopy, cell culture, and other applicable analytical techniques.
• Operate, calibrate, troubleshoot, and maintain laboratory equipment; prepare reagents, buffers, solutions, and experimental materials.
• Collaborate with Research and Development, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Regulatory Affairs, and other scientific teams; present findings and contribute to technical reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
• Approximately 0–2 years of relevant laboratory experience in analytical development, quality control, research, or a related field; equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Foundational knowledge of laboratory research methods, analytical techniques, and scientific experimentation, with hands-on experience from academic research, internships, or industry employment.
• Familiarity with biochemical assays, ELISA, chromatography, spectroscopy, cell culture, or related laboratory techniques.
• Ability to independently follow experimental protocols and maintain accurate laboratory records.
• Strong understanding of general chemistry and laboratory safety principles; ability to follow GLP and applicable quality standards.
• Analytical reasoning, scientific problem-solving, attention to detail, organization, and time-management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional scientific teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and general computer software.

Nice to have

• One to three years of relevant laboratory experience, including academic research, internships, or biotechnology industry experience.
• Experience supporting biologics, pharmaceutical, or vaccine development programs, including conjugate vaccine development.
• Familiarity with analytical method development, assay optimization, protein characterization, biochemical assays, or biomolecular analysis.
• Experience in GLP, GMP, CLIA, or other regulated laboratory environments.
• Experience using electronic laboratory notebooks or scientific data analysis software.

Culture & Benefits

• Laboratory-based onsite contract role in San Carlos, California.
• At least 80% of working time is dedicated to hands-on laboratory activities.
• 40-hour, five-day workweek in a collaborative biotechnology research and development environment.
• Follow established laboratory safety procedures, GLP, and applicable quality standards.

Hiring process

• Submit an updated resume highlighting laboratory experience, scientific techniques, analytical methods, and relevant biotechnology or pharmaceutical research experience.
• Qualified applicants will be contacted regarding next steps in the selection process.