Research Associate III

Abbott • San Diego, CA

1d • $77,600 - $126,700 • Onsite

About The Position

The Research Associate Scientist position in San Diego executes and conducts research, development, and other scientific/technical activities in the fields of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. The role designs, tests, analyzes, optimizes, characterizes, troubleshoots, and validates assays for use in decentralized settings, including integration with upstream sample preparation technologies and downstream consumable applications. The Associate Scientist may facilitate and recommend improvements and/or new procedures related to products or processes. The role may lead small to medium-sized projects. Additionally, the Associate Scientist independently develops data presentations for use within the organization.

Requirements

• B.S. or M.S. degree in Biological Sciences or a related discipline.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible laboratory or industry experience.
• Demonstrated practical laboratory skills with increasing technical complexity gained through experience.
• Proven problem‑solving abilities with increasing independence and scope as experience grows.
• Solid understanding of scientific principles with the ability to apply more advanced concepts, techniques, and methodologies through hands‑on experience.

Nice To Haves

• Degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field; M.S. with four (2) or more years of relevant industry experience, or B.S. with six (5) or more years of relevant industry experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience developing rapid molecular diagnostic assays.
• Demonstrated knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures related to molecular amplification technologies, including isothermal amplification, PCR, qPCR, RT‑PCR, dPCR, rapid PCR, and multiplex PCR, with experience in data evaluation, analysis, and interpretation.
• Working knowledge of experimental approaches, protocols, and scientific methods, including experimental design and data interpretation, with increasing technical depth through experience.
• Proficiency in data analysis using Excel and JMP, with strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, cross‑functional environment.

Responsibilities

• Investigate, create, and develop new methods and technologies to advance projects with limited assistance.
• Design and execute experiments, perform data analyses, and implement follow‑up actions to achieve established milestones.
• Conduct moderately complex experiments and seek guidance from more experienced colleagues as needed to address technical and experimental design challenges.
• Demonstrate the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of independence.
• Address problems of moderate complexity and diverse scope related to qPCR, RT‑PCR, rapid PCR, multiplex PCR, and isothermal amplification.
• Analyze experimental results to support data interpretation, draw conclusions, and initiate troubleshooting and root‑cause analyses.
• Plan and execute projects of smaller scope under supervision.
• Participate in routine laboratory maintenance activities and adhere to laboratory safety requirements.
• Prepare technical reports and experimental documentation; independently document scientific data in compliance with the Quality System.
• Apply critical thinking and sound judgment.
• With minimal guidance, develop protocols, write reports, and prepare summaries and presentations for peers and stakeholders.

Benefits

• Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.
• Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.
• An excellent retirement savings plan with a high employer contribution.
• Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program, and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree.
• A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries worldwide and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.
• A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as the best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree