Research Associate , II, III – Large Animal

Research Associate I, II, III – Large Animal

Position:
Research Associate I, II, or III – Large Animal

Pay Rate: $25 - $35 /hr (DOE)

Location:

Carlsbad, CA

Pharmaron is a global CRO (Contract Research Organization) helping pharma and biotech companies bring new therapies to life. With over 21,000 employees worldwide across 23 locations in the US, UK and China, we support drug discovery through to manufacturing with fully integrated, high-quality services.

We're proud of the impact we make and just last year, we supported over 780 discovery projects, 1,000+ CMC programmes, and 1,000+ clinical trials across all phases. Our teams are involved in everything from small molecules, ADC's, biologics, and gene therapies and we work with more than 3,000 global customers. To learn more, visit

Job Overview:

Pharmaron (San Diego) is seeking a Research Associate I, II, or III to support large animal preclinical studies within our Medical Device team.

This role offers hands-on involvement in innovative in vivo research supporting the development of next-generation medical devices and therapeutics across multiple therapeutic areas. The successful candidate will work alongside experienced scientists, veterinarians, and study teams in a fast-paced CRO environment, contributing directly to translational research programs that help advance new technologies toward clinical development.

This is an excellent opportunity for candidates with veterinary research, preclinical, surgical, or large animal experience who are looking to expand their technical expertise and grow within a collaborative and scientifically driven organization.

In Vivo & Surgical Support

• Support large animal preclinical studies involving medical devices and translational research programs
• Perform administration of test articles through various routes including oral gavage, SQ, IV, dermal, and related procedures
• Conduct biological specimen collection including blood collection from laboratory animal species
• Perform surgical support procedures including:
• Catheter placements
• Intubation and anesthesia support
• Venous and arterial line placement
• Surgical incision and wound creation
• Biopsies and tissue collection
• Necropsy procedures
• Monitor animals during anesthesia, post-operative recovery, and general health observations
• Apply aseptic surgical and laboratory techniques in accordance with study requirements

Study Operations & Compliance

• Execute study-related activities in compliance with GLP regulations, study protocols, SOPs, and company policies
• Prepare procedure rooms, study materials, and collection supplies
• Maintain accurate study documentation and data records
• Review study documentation to ensure quality and protocol compliance
• Support internal research initiatives and operational process improvements

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Study Directors, Principal Investigators, QA/QC, and operational teams to support successful study execution
• Interface with internal scientific and operational groups in a collaborative team environment
• Contribute to a positive, flexible, and fast-paced research culture

• Associate degree in Veterinary Technology, Animal Science, or related scientific field preferred
• 1–5+ years of relevant preclinical, veterinary research, surgical, or laboratory animal experience depending on education and technical background
• RVT certification is a plus
• Experience supporting large animal studies or surgical research preferred
• Working knowledge of preclinical research techniques, GLP studies, and translational research environments is highly desirable
• Strong communication, organizational skills, and attention to detail
• Ability to adapt within a dynamic and team-oriented research environment

Leveling and compensation will be determined based on education, technical expertise, surgical experience, and overall preclinical research background.

Why Pharmaron?

Pharmaron is a premier service provider for the life sciences industry. Founded in 2004, Pharmaron has invested in its people and facilities and established a broad spectrum of research, development, and manufacturing service capabilities throughout the entire drug…