Associate Scientist I, In Vitro Cell & Gene Therapy

Pharmaron • Carlsbad, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

As an Associate Scientist, In Vitro Cell & Gene Therapy, you will play a key role in advancing innovative cell and gene therapy programs from early development through preclinical evaluation. You will support the formulation, characterization, and testing of cutting-edge therapeutic products while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across both GLP and non-GLP studies. This position offers hands-on experience with advanced cell and gene therapy technologies, exposure to diverse client programs, and the opportunity to contribute to therapies that have the potential to transform patient outcomes. The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced CRO environment and bring strong technical expertise in cell culture, flow cytometry, and laboratory operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture and cell expansion.
• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience operating and troubleshooting flow cytometry instrumentation.
• Experience isolating and processing primary cells, including white blood cells and bone marrow-derived cells from rodents.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and documentation practices.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced scientific environment.

Responsibilities

• Support Cell & Gene Therapy and Specialty Toxicology programs through the formulation and preparation of therapeutic products for preclinical in vivo studies.
• Maintain, expand, characterize, and qualify mammalian cell lines for use as test articles, control articles, and animal model development.
• Perform cell-based procedures including cell culture, expansion, characterization, and sample preparation to support study objectives.
• Demonstrate expertise in flow cytometry and Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) to isolate, analyze, and characterize cell populations.
• Prepare vehicle, test, and control article formulations according to sponsor protocols and study requirements.
• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with GLP standards, study protocols, and Pharmaron SOPs.
• Ensure proper accountability, storage, return, and disposal of test and control articles.
• Maintain laboratory operations, equipment qualification, and compliance activities, including support for incubators, flow cytometers, microscopes, and automated cell counters.
• Collaborate closely with scientists, study directors, project managers, and cross-functional teams to support complex preclinical research programs.
• Contribute to multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining exceptional quality, attention to detail, and scientific rigor.

Benefits

• Insurance including Medical, Dental & Vision with significant employer contributions
• Employer-funded Health Reimbursement Account
• Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• 100% Employer-paid Employee Life and AD&D Insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 401k plan with generous employer match
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level