Research Associate, Research Assistant​/Associate

Position: Research Associate - I
Job Title:
Research Associate - I/ ERS Operations Specialist
Job Location:
San Diego, CA 92130
Job Duration: 12+ months

Pay rate: $28.42/hr on w2

Hiring Manager Note:
Department:
Early Research & Development / ERS Operations
Position Summary

• The ERS Operations Specialist plays a critical role in supporting a global Early Research Sciences (ERS) organization by providing scientific operations, logistics, and administrative support to research teams and external collaborators.
• This position serves as a key liaison between internal stakeholders and Contract Research Organizations (CROs), ensuring seamless execution of research operations, budget management, data tracking, and sample logistics.
• This is an ideal opportunity for an individual with a scientific background who en Products combining research knowledge with operational excellence. The role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively within a highly matrixed environment supporting early-stage chemistry and biology research programs.

Key Responsibilities
Research Operations & Collaboration Management

• Support scientific teams by coordinating operational activities related to external research collaborations and CRO partnerships.

• Facilitate communication and execution between internal stakeholders and external service providers.

• Assist in managing research-related agreements, project deliverables, and operational workflows.

• Work effectively across a matrixed organization to ensure alignment and timely execution of projects.

Budget & Financial Management

• Track project budgets, expenditures, and financial commitments.

• Create and manage purchase orders (POs) and related procurement activities.

• Monitor spending trends and support budget forecasting activities.

• Generate reports and metrics to help ensure projects remain within approved budgets

Sample & Logistics Coordination

• Coordinate domestic and international shipment of research materials, compounds, and samples.

• Manage import/export activities and ensure compliance with shipping and customs requirements.

• Maintain accurate shipping documentation and monitor shipment timelines.

• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful delivery of research materials.

Data Management & Reporting

• Collect, track, and analyze operational data and performance metrics.

• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to collaborator performance, shipping cycle times, research productivity, and budget utilization.

• Support trend analysis and generate operational insights to drive efficiency improvements.

• Develop reports, dashboards, and presentations for leadership and project teams.

Administrative & Operational Support

• Maintain accurate records and documentation.

• Support ongoing process improvement initiatives.

• Prepare presentations, reports, and operational summaries.

• Assist with special projects and operational priorities as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Organic Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.

• Strong understanding of scientific terminology, chemical compounds, and/or biological materials.

• Excellent organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a collaborative environment.

• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, research, or CRO environments.

• Experience supporting scientific operations, research administration, logistics, or project coordination.

• Knowledge of import/export requirements and international shipping regulations for scientific materials.

• Data analysis and reporting experience.

• Familiarity with tools such as Spotfire, business intelligence platforms

Job Description:

• External Research Solutions (ERS) supports scientific innovation by enabling efficient, high-quality collaboration with external research partners.
• The external chemistry sourcing and…