Research and Operations Specialist

Kelly® Science & Clinical is seeking an R&D Specialist for a contract-to-hire opportunity with one of our clients, a leading small molecule CDMO at their Colorado Springs, CO facility. If you’re passionate about bringing the latest scientific discoveries to life and are ready to take the next step in your career, trust The Experts at Hiring Experts.

Workplace: Onsite in Colorado Springs, CO

Position Title: R&D Specialist

Position Type: Contract-to-hire

Pay rate: $32-36/hour

• Lead and execute hands‑on laboratory and pilot‑scale trials for both new and improved drug products, ensuring rigorous data integrity and accuracy.
• Manage all aspects of product development trials, including sourcing materials, precise weighing, trial execution, equipment operation, and maintaining GMP‑compliant documentation.
• Conduct thorough physical testing and visual inspections on intermediate and final products, supporting the highest standards of quality.

• Be a key contributor to our site expansion and facility build‑out initiatives by delivering critical technical expertise and operational support.
• Act as the primary R&D contact with contractors, vendors, and equipment suppliers, ensuring all projects align with technical specs and timelines.
• Assist in commissioning, qualifying, and scaling new equipment to further R&D and pilot plant capabilities.

• Help coordinate maintenance, calibrations, and repairs to keep R&D and pilot areas running at peak performance.
• Drive process improvements that boost efficiency, safety, and compliance facility‑wide.
• Mentor and provide tactical leadership to R&D technicians, assigning and prioritizing work to align with project demands.

• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams and support strategic site initiatives as needed, ensuring organizational objectives are met.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or equivalent combination of education and substantial industry experience.
• 5+ years’ proven success in pharmaceutical or R&D environments, with increasing technical responsibilities and project exposure.
• Strong experience supporting facility and capital projects, including coordination with external partners and adherence to timelines.
• Confident in technical calculations (algebra, geometry) for trial and layout activities.
• Proficient with MS Office Suite and project management tools.
• Skilled at interpreting technical documents—SOPs, GMPs, construction plans, and equipment manuals.
• Outstanding communication, teamwork, and multitasking abilities; attention to detail is a must.

• Work alongside industry leaders and innovators
• Participate in high‑impact projects accelerating life‑saving therapies to market
• Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for continued professional growth

If you are ready to lead advancements in pharmaceutical process development and play a pivotal role in our growth, we want to hear from you!

Once you apply, you’ll proceed to the next steps if your skills and experience look like a good fit. But don’t worry – even if this position doesn’t work out, you’re still in our network. That means our team of expert Science & Clinical recruiters will have access to your profile, making your opportunities limitless.

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.