Research Associate - I

Job Title: Research Associate - I/ ERS Operations Specialist
Job Location: San Diego, CA
Job Duration: 12+ months
Pay Rate: $28.42/hr. on w2

Job Description:
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

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.