Associate Scientist

QuidelOrtho unites the strengths of Quidel Corporation and Ortho Clinical Diagnostics to provide world‑leading in‑vitro diagnostics across immunoassay, molecular testing, clinical chemistry, and transfusion medicine. Role We are looking for an Associate Scientist to support research and development of new products and to help transfer products and technologies to manufacturing. This is a full‑time, onsite position located in our San Diego, CA office (Sorrento Valley). Responsibilities Develop and execute scientific plans and approaches. Accomplish objectives through sound project management. Design experiments to develop and optimize assays. Identify and resolve assay performance issues. Collaborate with internal and external resources. Summarize experimental data and draw independent conclusions. Support feasibility studies, process development, raw‑material and in‑process specifications, product specifications, and documentation creation. Provide technical direction and mentoring to lower‑level employees. Maintain project documentation in accordance with regulatory requirements as part of the design control process. Maintain a safe working environment. Support development of QC standards, test methods, and FMEA documentation. Perform other work‑related duties as assigned. Qualifications BA/BS in life sciences or related field with 4–7 years of relevant industrial experience. MA/MS in life sciences with at least 2 years of experience. Background in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, virology, immunology or a related field. Specific technical skills defined by management in alignment with company goals. Knowledge of scientific principles and concepts. Experience in product development and experimental design. Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills. Good organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to plan and execute experiments to prove feasibility, develop new processes, set specifications, and characterize materials. Ability to troubleshoot problems. Ability to work within cross‑functional teams. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Professionalism, maturity, self‑motivation, and proactive attitude. Working knowledge of Design of Experiments, Statistical Process Control, and other analytical tools. Consistent ability to meet proposed objective timelines and to use project planning and management skills. Working knowledge of manufacturing tools, processes, and quality‑system regulations. Computer skills (email, word processing, graphing software). Ability to resolve moderately complex technical problems semi‑independently. Ability to develop experimental plans and execute associated activities within communicated timelines. Key Working Relationships Internal Partners: R&D, Manufacturing, Regulatory, Management, Quality Control, Engineering. External Partners: Vendors and suppliers as needed. Work Environment & Physical Demands The work environment is representative of a manufacturing, laboratory, or warehouse setting and may involve handling viral and bacterial hazards, hazardous chemicals, and infectious bodily fluids or tissues. The role requires up to 75% time at desk, standing or sitting for extended periods, flexible work hours to meet project deadlines, and light physical demands such as occasional sitting, standing, walking, repetitive hand movements (typing, pipetting), light grasping, and lifting up to 20 pounds. Compensation & Benefits Salary range: $85,000 to $95,000, bonus eligible. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 401(k) plan, employee assistance program, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, paid time off (including sick time), and paid holidays. Equal Opportunity QuidelOrtho is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. QuidelOrtho is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals so that an individual can perform job‑related duties. If you require special assistance or an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr Ortho Clinical Diagnostics