Research Operations Associate

Job Title: Research Operations Associate

Location: San Diego, CA

Type: Contract

Compensation: $25-$29.25/hr

Work Model: Onsite – onsite

Hours: 40.0

Overview

The Research Operations Associate plays a critical role in supporting a global Early Research Sciences 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.

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

Requirements

• 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

System One, and its subsidiaries including Mountain Ltd., are leaders in delivering outsourced services and workforce solutions across North America. We help clients get work done more efficiently and economically, without compromising quality. System One not only serves as a valued partner for our clients, but we offer eligible employees health and welfare benefits coverage options including medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan.

System One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, family care or medical leave status, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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Ref: #558-Scientific

System One, and its subsidiaries including Joulé, ALTA IT Services, CM Access, TPGS, and MOUNTAIN, LTD., are leaders in delivering workforce solutions and integrated services across North America. We help clients get work done more efficiently and economically, without compromising quality. System One not only serves as a valued partner for our clients, but we offer eligible full-time employees health and welfare benefits coverage options including medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan.

System One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, family care or medical leave status, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.