Jr Laboratory Manufacturing Associate (Life Science/Pharma/Biotech)

Job Title: Jr Laboratory Manufacturing Associate (Life Science/Pharma/Biotech)

Location: San Diego, CA 92121 (Onsite – Sorrento Valley) * Must be local *

Pay Rate: $25/hr ( Weekly pay + benefits)

Duration: 6-month contract (Great potential for extension or conversion)

Schedule: Monday–Friday | 6 a.m. or 9 a.m. start time (TBD based on experience, training needs, and team coverage)

* Please note: Training will be provided on company procedures, equipment, documentation, and production processes. Associates should be comfortable spending approximately 80–90% of their workday in a laboratory, working closely with a small team, following work instructions (SOPs). 0–3 years of experience in a laboratory, biotech, life sciences, pharmaceutical, manufacturing environment or relevant Degree. Candidates with experience in food production, barista work, or other high-volume procedure-driven environments may also be considered.

About the Company

Our client translates extraordinary science into everyday miracles, helping biotech, biopharma, and life sciences companies everywhere deliver novel vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics. We are global leaders in providing products and services within the fields of nucleic acid production and biologics safety testing to many of the world's leading biopharma, vaccine, diagnostics, and cell and gene therapy companies.

About the Role

Our client is seeking Temporary Manufacturing Associates I to support hands-on production operations across two manufacturing departments: Oligo Manufacturing and RNA Reagents Manufacturing. These are entry-level opportunities for individuals with a scientific background who enjoy working with laboratory equipment, preparing materials, following detailed procedures, and completing accurate production documentation.

Both assignments involve producing liquid products in a laboratory manufacturing environment. The Oligo role involves a more specialized, detailed production workflow focused on oligonucleotide synthesis and processing. The RNA Reagents role involves more general laboratory production, with additional responsibilities related to product inventory and stock management.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare materials, supplies, and equipment for daily production activities.
• Follow established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), safety guidelines, and quality requirements.
• Perform hands-on laboratory production activities, following detailed instructions and established workflows.
• Operate basic laboratory equipment, such as pipettes and centrifuges, and learn to use additional equipment as trained.
• Accurately document production activities and maintain required records in accordance with company procedures.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe laboratory work areas.
• Review production instructions, prepare materials, and support production workflows and changeovers as needed.
• Recognize and report equipment issues, process deviations, or other concerns to the appropriate team member.
• Complete required company, safety, quality, and role-specific training.
• Collaborate closely with team members and supervisors to maintain production schedules and workflow.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Department-Specific Responsibilities

• Oligo Manufacturing : Support the production of oligonucleotides through specialized laboratory manufacturing processes, including synthesis, purification, and processing under supervision. Follow detailed production sequences, prepare materials, operate laboratory equipment, and complete required documentation. This role requires a high level of attention to detail due to the more specialized production workflow.
• RNA Reagents Manufacturing : Support general laboratory production of RNA reagents and related products. Responsibilities may include preparing materials, performing laboratory procedures, supporting purification processes, maintaining product inventory, conducting cycle counts, ensuring supplies are stocked, and entering or retrieving information in an ERP system as trained.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or a related field; relevant equivalent experience may also be considered.
• 0–3 years of experience in a laboratory, biotech, life sciences, pharmaceutical, or manufacturing environment or relevant Degree. Candidates with experience in food production, barista work, or other high-volume procedure-driven environments may also be considered
• Must have strong attention to detail, organization, and a commitment to accuracy and thorough documentation.
• Ability to learn laboratory equipment, production processes, and new procedures.
• Must have experience following SOPs, work instructions, safety procedures, or quality standards.
• Must be eager to learn, and ability to work collaboratively with a team.
• Comfortable working onsite in a laboratory environment for most of the workday and with a small team.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds when needed and stand or walk for extended periods.
• Must have excellent attention to detail: Follows procedures carefully and produces accurate work.
• Organization: Keeps materials, equipment, and workspaces orderly.
• Learning and growth: Desire to learn and grow within a laboratory, biotech, life sciences, pharmaceutical
• Problem-solving: Recognizes basic issues and escalates concerns appropriately.
• Accountability: Takes responsibility for following procedures and maintaining quality standards.
• Coachability: Accepts feedback, learns from training, and applies instructions consistently.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience or ability in using basic laboratory equipment and performing hands-on laboratory procedures.
• Oligo Manufacturing: Previous experience in biotech or life sciences manufacturing, particularly with oligonucleotides, nucleic acids, or similar laboratory production processes. Exposure to cGMP and ISO Class 7 or 8 cleanroom environments is a plus.
• RNA Reagents Manufacturing: Previous experience in laboratory production, reagent preparation, or other process-driven laboratory operations. Familiarity with ERP systems, cycle counts, or purification processes is a plus but is not required.
• Hands-on experience with pipetting either laboratory coursework, research, or professional experience.

Additional Information

• Hands-on laboratory manufacturing assignments in San Diego/ Sorrento Valley area.
• Both positions are entry-level and best suited for candidates with approximately 0–3 years of relevant experience or related education. Candidates with significantly more experience may be overqualified for the scope of the role.
• A relevant scientific degree and hands-on pipetting experience are important for candidates without prior professional laboratory experience.
• Candidates from food service or food production may be considered if they also have the necessary scientific education and laboratory skills. Food service experience alone is not sufficient.
• Assembly and packaging backgrounds alone are not a fit because these positions involve producing liquid reagents rather than assembling or packaging finished products.
• ERP systems, inventory procedures, specialized equipment, and department-specific production processes can be taught.
• The first one to two weeks will generally focus on training, reviewing and signing off on SOPs, and shadowing team members.
• Associates will work in laboratory attire while in the lab. Outside of lab, attire is very casual.
• The start time will be determined based on experience, training needs, and team coverage. A specific shift cannot be guaranteed in advance.

TCWGlobal is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on age, ethnicity, gender, nationality, religious belief, or sexual orientation.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.