Associate Researcher

Research Associate, Small Molecule Formulation Development

Kelly® Science & Clinical is seeking a Research Associate, Formulation Development for a contract‑to‑hire position at a cutting‑edge client in San Diego, CA. 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.

Salary: $65,00 –$100,000/year, commensurate with level and experience

Schedule: Monday‑Friday | On‑Site

Our Client is an innovative early‑stage biotherapeutics company focused on improving human health by developing breakthrough neuroprotective therapeutics. Using novel approaches, they are working to treat highly prevalent, blinding diseases – including glaucoma – that currently have no good therapeutic alternatives. Their unique approach is leading to first‑in‑class and best‑in‑class small molecule and gene therapy solutions that will significantly impact patients’ lives.

In this role, you will join the Research/Formulation Development team
. You will support new formulation development, pipeline API testing, and HPV work utilizing HPLC and UV platforms (Agilent instrumentation). You will work under the guidance of a Senior Chemist and contribute to both day‑to‑day laboratory operations and longer‑term development goals.

• Provide day‑to‑day laboratory support for the Formulation Development team, including sample preparation, HPLC‑UV analysis, and general laboratory operations
• Design, execute, and interpret experiments under the oversight of the Senior Chemist; grow into independently outlining and running experiments as you develop in the role
• Assist in the development and characterization of small molecule formulations – including solubility and stability screening, in vitro release testing, and physicochemical characterization of ophthalmic and injectable drug product prototypes
• Operate and maintain Agilent HPLC (HPLC‑UV) and standard formulation laboratory instrumentation; experience with additional analytical platforms is a plus
• Support non‑GLP and GLP production activities, working in accordance with applicable quality systems and standard operating procedures
• Analyze data and compile results into clear, meaningful formats – tables, summaries, and reports – that accurately represent findings
• Document experimental design and results in accordance with Good Documentation Practices (GDP), maintaining thorough records in an electronic laboratory notebook (Benchling)
• Maintain data integrity and quality standards across all laboratory work
• Prepare experimental protocols and contribute to the writing of development reports and related CMC documentation
• Contribute to team and company goals, demonstrating scientific initiative and a commitment to continuous improvement

Required:

• B.S. or M.S. in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related technical field
• 2+ years of relevant pharmaceutical industry experience (Research Associate level) or 3+ years (Senior Research Associate level)
• Small molecule experience is required (biologics‑only background will not be considered); sustained release program experience is a plus
• Hands‑on, proficient experience running samples on HPLC (HPLC‑UV) – Agilent platform experience strongly preferred
• Experience with sample preparation and analytical characterization in early‑phase formulation and/or process development
• At least one year of experience in an industry environment where Good Documentation Practices (GDP) were followed
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly document experimental design and results
• Proficiency with Excel and PowerPoint for data analysis and presentation
• Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and capable of working independently with clear direction

Preferred:

• Experience with sterile / injectable and/or ophthalmic dosage forms (ocular background is a plus)
• Familiarity with Benchling ELN or comparable electronic laboratory notebook platforms
• Exposure to GLP production support and/or CMC documentation preparation for IND or other regulatory submissions
• Experience with LC‑UV, UV‑Vis spectrophotometry, and additional characterization techniques
• Understanding of physical/organic chemistry, physical pharmacy, and materials science as applied to pharmaceutical development
• Experience with sustained release formulation programs (intravitreal or injectable context)