Manufacturing Associate (Pharmaceuticals Entry Level)

Position: Manufacturing Associate

Duration: 12-month contract

Location: Novato, California
Schedule: Alternating Saturdays, Sunday–Tuesday, 6:00 PM – 7:00 AM

Compensation:

• 1st Shift: $28.00/hr
• 2nd Shift: $30.80/hr (10% differential)
• 3rd Shift: $32.20/hr (15% differential)
• Eligible for shift differential pay and overtime pay

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated Manufacturing Associate to join a leading biopharmaceutical organization focused on advancing life‐changing therapeutics. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands‐on work in a fast‐paced, regulated environment and is eager to develop strong technical expertise in large‐scale biologics manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

Process Operations & Technical Skills

• Learn and execute core biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes, including:
  mammalian cell culture, depth filtration, tangential flow filtration (TFF), column chromatography, centrifugation, protein purification, and bulk drug substance formulation.
• Develop strong process knowledge, understanding equipment operation and process theory.
• Support continuous improvement and process optimization initiatives.
• Identify and escalate processing issues and participate in implementing solutions.
• Gain experience with automation and digital systems such as LIMS, MES, PI, and other manufacturing software.

Documentation & Compliance

• Draft, review, and suggest improvements to process‐related documents and SOPs.
• Assist with integrating new technologies, procedures, and standards.
• Ensure all work adheres to cGMP requirements and utilize quality systems, including Deviations, CAPAs, and Change Requests.

Cross‐Functional Collaboration

• Participate in departmental projects and contribute to achieving operational outcomes.
• Learn and support additional business systems (e.g., TrackWise, ERP).
• Assist with tracking and trending operational metrics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a science or engineering discipline or Associate degree/Biotech certificate + 2+ years of experience in biotech manufacturing or another regulated industry.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively, resolve conflict constructively, and support team‐based environments.
• Demonstrated initiative, problem‐solving ability, and continuous improvement mindset.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Role involves strenuous, repetitive tasks and frequent bending, reaching, kneeling, climbing stairs/ladders, and performing equipment connections.
• Must be able to lift/push/pull 25 lbs regularly.
• Work may involve loud equipment and requires use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• This position requires night shift work, alternating weekends, and flexibility for off‐hours as needed.

R&D Partners is a national staffing firm focused in the areas of: Scientific, Clinical Research and Engineering. Our team offers well over 200 years of combined staffing experience providing consulting, direct hire & outsourcing solutions with our west coast offices in San Francisco, Redwood City and San Diego, CA and our east coast offices located in Harrisburg, PA and Tampa, FL.

The cornerstone of our success: a knowledgeable and experienced recruiting team.

Our life sciences recruiters, clinical research recruiters and engineering recruiters are uniquely specialized. After a detailed assessment of our clients’ needs, we can then identify appropriate candidates utilizing our established network of professionals. R&D Partners takes a proactive approach to recruiting, establishing relationships with experienced passive candidates so when the time is right, we can combine our candidates’ talents with our clients’ opportunities.