Research Associate I

Job Title: Research Associate I / ERS Operations Specialist

Job Description

The Research Associate I / ERS Operations Specialist plays a critical role in supporting a global Early Research Sciences (ERS) organization by delivering scientific operations, logistics, and administrative support to internal research teams and external collaborators. This position serves as a key liaison between internal stakeholders and Contract Research Organizations (CROs), ensuring smooth execution of research operations, effective budget management, robust data tracking, and reliable sample logistics. The role is ideal for someone with science experience who enjoys combining research knowledge with operational excellence and thrives in a highly matrixed environment supporting early-stage chemistry and biology research programs.

Responsibilities

• Support scientific teams by coordinating operational activities related to external research collaborations and CRO partnerships.
• Facilitate clear and timely communication between internal stakeholders and external service providers to ensure successful project execution.
• Assist in managing research-related agreements, project deliverables, and operational workflows to keep projects on track.
• Work effectively across a matrixed organization to align priorities and drive timely execution of early-stage chemistry and biology research projects.
• Track project budgets, expenditures, and financial commitments to maintain accurate financial oversight.
• Create and manage purchase orders and related procurement activities to support ongoing research operations.
• Monitor spending trends and support budget forecasting activities to help projects remain within approved budgets.
• Generate financial and operational reports and metrics to provide visibility into project status and budget utilization.
• Coordinate domestic and international shipment of research materials, compounds, and samples to support global research activities.
• Manage import and export activities and ensure compliance with shipping and customs requirements for scientific materials.
• Maintain accurate shipping documentation and monitor shipment timelines to ensure on-time delivery.
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful delivery and receipt of research materials.
• Collect, track, and analyze operational data and performance metrics to support informed decision-making.
• Monitor key performance indicators related to collaborator performance, shipping cycle times, research productivity, and budget utilization.
• Support trend analysis and generate operational insights that drive efficiency and process improvements.
• Develop reports, dashboards, and presentations for leadership and project teams to communicate operational performance and insights.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation to support compliance and traceability of research operations.
• Support ongoing process improvement initiatives aimed at optimizing scientific operations and logistics.
• Prepare presentations, reports, and operational summaries for internal stakeholders.
• Assist with special projects and operational priorities as assigned, adapting to evolving research and business needs.

Essential Skills

• 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, matrixed environment.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Scientific understanding in biotechnology or related research fields.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, research, or CRO environments.
• Experience supporting scientific operations, research administration, logistics, or project coordination.
• Knowledge of import and export requirements and international shipping regulations for scientific materials.
• Data analysis and reporting experience, including working with operational and performance metrics.
• Familiarity with tools such as Spotfire and other business intelligence platforms.
• Ability to develop dashboards and presentations for leadership and project teams.
• Comfort working with cross-functional stakeholders and external partners.
• Interest in combining scientific knowledge with operational and logistical responsibilities.

Work Environment

The role supports a global Early Research Sciences organization operating in a highly matrixed, collaborative environment focused on early-stage chemistry and biology research programs. You will work closely with internal research teams and external partners such as Contract Research Organizations, coordinating scientific operations, logistics, and administrative activities. The position relies heavily on digital tools, including Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and business intelligence platforms such as Spotfire, to manage data, track key performance indicators, and prepare reports and dashboards. The work involves frequent coordination of domestic and international shipments of research materials, requiring careful attention to regulatory and customs requirements. The environment emphasizes operational excellence, data-driven decision-making, and continuous process improvement, offering exposure to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and research operations in a professional, structured setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $24.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in San Diego,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 6, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: 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.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.