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 enProducts 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 operations specialist will provide scientific and operational support across outsourced research activities.
• This includes supporting research operations in areas such as chemistry synthesis/invitro biology/reagent provision, ADME/DMPK services, and operational support for PO generation, finance and budget tracking, & helping with sample logistics.
• This may include coordinating data integration, invoice resolutions, tracking KPI, & business analytics for sourcing and financial data.
• This role requires a strong scientific foundation in either invitro biology/reagent provision/synthetic organic chemistry or DMPK, excellent organizational and communication skills, and the ability to work effectively across internal teams and external partners both locally and internationally.