Associate Scientist I

Position Overview

Viltis is seeking a motivated Associate Scientist I – Research to support biologics and vaccine development programs for one of our biotechnology clients in San Carlos, California. This entry-to-early-career laboratory position will focus on executing scientific experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and supporting ongoing research initiatives under the guidance of senior scientific staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform routine and non-routine laboratory experiments following established protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Support research activities related to biologics, vaccines, and analytical development programs.
• Independently execute established experimental procedures and accurately document results.
• Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret experimental data.
• Summarize scientific findings in technical reports, presentations, and laboratory documentation.
• Maintain accurate and compliant laboratory notebooks, including electronic laboratory records when applicable.
• Assist in the design, development, and optimization of experimental methods and analytical assays.
• Perform laboratory techniques such as biochemical assays, ELISA, chromatography, spectroscopy, and other applicable analytical methods.
• Operate, calibrate, troubleshoot, and maintain laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• Prepare laboratory reagents, buffers, solutions, and experimental materials.
• Manage laboratory inventory, supplies, and sample organization.
• Identify experimental deviations, troubleshoot routine laboratory issues, and recommend solutions to senior scientific staff.
• Collaborate with Research and Development, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Regulatory Affairs, and other cross-functional teams.
• Present experimental findings during team meetings and contribute to internal scientific reports.
• Follow established laboratory safety procedures, Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and applicable quality standards.
• Stay current with scientific literature, emerging technologies, and relevant research methodologies.

Preferred Qualifications

• One to three years of relevant laboratory experience, including academic research, internships, or biotechnology industry experience.
• Experience supporting biologics, pharmaceutical, or vaccine development programs.
• Familiarity with analytical method development and assay optimization.
• Experience working in GLP, GMP, CLIA, or other regulated laboratory environments.
• Exposure to conjugate vaccine development.
• Experience using electronic laboratory notebooks or scientific data analysis software.
• Familiarity with protein characterization, biochemical assays, or biomolecular analysis.

Work Environment

• Laboratory-based contract position in San Carlos, California.
• Requires a substantial onsite laboratory presence, with at least 80% of working time spent performing hands-on laboratory activities.
• Standard schedule of 40 hours per week, five days per week.
• Collaborative biotechnology research and development environment.