Research Associate, Small Molecules

Research Associate, Small Molecules


Job ID: 10305798

San Diego, CA, US

Scientific

Bachelors Degree

Full Time, Temp to Hire

$30-45 per hour

Experienced (Non-Manager)

On-site

Biotechnology/Pharmaceuticals

First Shift (Day)

San Diego, CA, US

$30-45 per hour

Experienced (Non-Manager)

Full Time, Temp to Hire

Biotechnology/Pharmaceuticals

On-site

Scientific

Bachelors Degree

First Shift (Day)

Job details

Kelly® Science & Clinical is seeking a Research Associate, Small Molecule Formulation Development, for a direct hire opportunity with one of our clients, a start-up biotechnology company in San Diego, CA. If you are driven by the prospect of translating cutting-edge scientific discoveries into tangible advancements and are poised to advance your career, join us as we pioneer progress in the biotechnology industry.
Workplace: Onsite in the San Diego CA area
Position Title: Research Associate, Smal Molecule API Formulation Development
Position Type: Contract-to-hire
Pay rate: $30-45 per hour
Make an Impact in Pioneering Ocular Therapeutics
Are you ready to play a critical role in a mission-driven biotech start-up developing next-generation neuroprotective therapeutics? A nimble, innovative, and well-funded team is seeking a hands-on Research Associate to expand their Glaucoma Formulation Development group. Here, your contributions will directly accelerate programs aiming to address major unmet needs in ocular health, particularly those impacting vision loss and blindness.
Your Role
Work in a collaborative, entrepreneurial setting where you’ll have the opportunity to:

  • Experiment at the Bench: Support the full spectrum of formulation development from sample prep through data analysis, focusing on new formulations and the evaluation of novel small molecule pipeline APIs.

  • Leverage Core Techniques: Utilize HPLC and UV-Vis (primarily Agilent systems) on a daily basis to analyze samples and support ongoing HPV research and intravitreal ocular CMC programs.

  • Document with Precision: Employ Benchling ELN and Good Documentation Practices (GDP) to communicate results, maintain rigorous records, and contribute to regulatory documentation.

  • Enable Production: Assist with non-GLP/GLP production, ensure compliance with SOPs, and participate in stability, solubility, and release testing of prototypes.

  • Collaborate & Innovate: As part of a close-knit team, you’ll work directly with senior scientists and help shape best practices for a rapidly growing start-up.

What You Bring
Essential:

  • B.S. or M.S. in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related technical discipline

  • 2+ years hands-on industry experience (small molecule experience required)

  • Strong technical experience with HPLC, UV, and sample prep—Agilent instrumentation preferred

  • Exposure to documentation systems (Benchling preferred) and a disciplined approach to GDP

  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and an excellent written communicator

  • Experience in a regulated, quality-focused laboratory setting

  • Motivation to grow within a start-up; a positive cultural contributor open to a dynamic, collaborative environment

Nice to Have:

  • Familiarity with sustained-release formulations or experience in ocular drug development

  • Experience in intravitreal, injectable, or ophthalmic products

  • CMC documentation support for preclinical or IND-enabling studies

Why Join?
This is an opportunity to directly impact the trajectory of programs tackling significant medical challenges in vision science, working in state-of-the-art facilities with mentorship and resources for growth. As a key member of a small, empowered group, your work will be visible, valued, and critical for success. The intention is for this role to convert to permanent based on mutual fit.
#P1

 

10305798

Share this job

To apply for this job email your details to

I want more jobs like this in my inbox.

Share this job

As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly® Science & Clinical?

Kelly Science & Clinical is your connection to premier scientific and clinical companies looking to hire industry experts just like you. Our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. Every day, we match science professionals with dream jobs that fit their skills, interests, and career goals—it’s the way we think job searching should be. Nearly 100 percent of our science recruiters have a professional background and education in science, so we know a thing or two about the science market and how to get your expertise noticed.


About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life—just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.

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.

Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice.