Associate Scientist (Entry Level)

Job Title: Associate Scientist

Location: Thousand Oaks CA (Onsite)

Duration: 12 Months with possible extension

Terms: Contract W2

Description:

Description:

100% onsite Thousand Oaks

Local candidates preferred.

Hours: Standard business hours, approximately 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Contract Length: 12 months

Hiring manager is seeking a junior-level Associate Scientist to support cell-based assay work for small molecule chemistry programs in Thousand Oaks. Manager strongly prefers a fresh graduate profile, ideally a Master’s degree candidate with minimal industry experience who can be trained internally. This team values curiosity, coachability, strong SOP adherence, and eagerness to learn over deep technical tenure.

Ideal candidates should have foundational mammalian cell culture exposure, strong hands-on lab skills, and a collaborative, adaptable mindset. Candidates with stable academic or early-career history, strong communication, and demonstrated scientific interest will align best. Avoid profiles with excessive job hopping, repeated short-duration roles, or overly senior candidates with entrenched lab habits.

Job Details:

Bachelors' degree & 2 YOE

To perform experiments, organize data and analyze results under minimal supervision. With minimal supervision, plans, conducts or monitors experiments, records and organizes data, analyses results, generates robust and reliable data and/or Ensures that contracted studies are conducted in compliance with the respective protocol and applicable guidelines and regulations.

Responsibilities include:

Monitors or follows established experimental design and protocols and performs routine tasks and studies to obtain reproducible and reliable results with limited supervision

Plans, monitors or conducts, analyzes and records experiments, and provides interpretation of data

Effectively transfers experimental methods from literature to the lab and makes modifications as necessary

Develops and implements new protocols with moderate review

Engages coworkers in scientific discussions

Communicates data and interpretation to work group

Skilled at developing systems to ensure quality data

Skilled and/or knowledgeable in the use of standard laboratory equipment and with one or more major laboratory instruments/techniques

Effectively trouble-shoots equipment and experimental difficulties

Contributes to internal/external reports, papers, presentations, regulatory documents, invention disclosure submissions and/or patents

Participates in department-wide support efforts such as safety, recruiting and committees

May train staff and/or supervise others

Coordinates and organizes resources needed to complete the task

Understands when to seek input and when to make independent judgments;

Skills: ; degree in Biology, Biochemistry or Analytical Chemistry ; experience in a Biopharmaceutical working environment

Top 3 Must Have Skill Sets:

Mammalian cell culture experience

Comfortable running established assays

Follow SOPs accurately and consistently

Hard-working, reliable, and organized

Communicates progress and issues clearly

Comfortable asking questions when unsure

Genuine scientific curiosity and willingness to learn

Respectful, and collaborative

Works well in a structured environment and supports team goals

Day to Day Responsibilities: