In Vivo Operations Specialist

Pharmaron • Carlsbad, CA

20h • Onsite

About The Position

Pharmaron is a global CRO (Contract Research Organization) helping pharma and biotech companies bring new therapies to life. With over 21,000 employees worldwide across 23 locations in the US, UK and China, Pharmaron supports drug discovery through to manufacturing with fully integrated, high-quality services. The In Vivo Operations Specialist works closely with the medical device leadership and is responsible for managing day to day laboratory operations and oversight of the lab activities involving the testing of medical devices and combination products. This specialist will also function as a study manager assisting the study directors, serving as a key member of the Pharmaron Operations Team and a liaison between sponsors, internal research scientists, and research associates.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree + 5 years relevant experience, or Master's degree + 1–3 years relevant experience
• Experience in laboratory, preclinical, CRO, or vivarium environments
• Experience coordinating operations or projects in fast-paced settings
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Anesthesia, analgesia, and peri-operative care experience
• Protocol/report writing experience
• Sponsor-facing or client-facing experience

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the in vivo / surgical research laboratory to ensure studies run safely, efficiently, and on schedule.
• Coordinate operating room schedules, staffing assignments, equipment readiness, and supply availability.
• Monitor workflow throughout the day and adjust resources in real time to meet shifting study priorities.
• Ensure end-of-day closeout activities are completed, including cleaning, restocking, and next-day preparation.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and quality.
• Partner with Study Directors and scientific leadership to plan and execute preclinical medical device and combination product studies.
• Maintain the master study calendar, ensuring accurate scheduling, resource allocation, and milestone tracking.
• Lead internal kickoff meetings to align teams on timelines, protocols, staffing, and study expectations.
• Support active studies by coordinating logistics, resolving issues quickly, and ensuring timelines are met.
• Assist with protocol execution, data collection workflows, and report deliverables as needed.
• Serve as a primary operational point of contact for sponsors before, during, and after study execution.
• Provide timely updates regarding scheduling, study progress, operational milestones, and deliverables.
• Respond to sponsor requests professionally, accurately, and with a strong customer-service mindset.
• Build trusted relationships with clients through responsiveness, reliability, and study excellence.
• Ensure all activities are performed in accordance with SOPs, USDA regulations, FDA GLP standards, and site policies.
• Support radiation safety programs including training, documentation, and compliant equipment use.
• Maintain accurate records for study scheduling, protocols, data, equipment maintenance, and operational metrics.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Assist research teams with animal handling, restraint, dosing, anesthesia support, peri-operative activities, and related procedures as needed.
• Provide floor support during high-volume or high-priority study days to ensure successful execution.
• Contribute as a hands-on team member while balancing leadership and operational oversight.

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: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees