Position: Associate Scientist I, In Vitro Cell & Gene Therapy

Salary Range: $75k - $85k

Location: Carlsbad, CA (On-site)

About Pharmaron

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, we support drug discovery through to manufacturing with fully integrated, high-quality services.

We're proud of the impact we make and just last year, we supported over 780 discovery projects, 1,000+ CMC programmes, and 1,000+ clinical trials across all phases. Our teams are involved in everything from small molecules, ADC's, biologics, and gene therapies and we work with more than 3,000 global customers. To learn more, visit .

Job Overview:

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.

Key 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.

What We're Looking For

• 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.

Why Pharmaron?

Pharmaron is a premier service provider for the life sciences industry. Founded in 2004, Pharmaron has invested in its people and facilities and established a broad spectrum of research, development, and manufacturing service capabilities throughout the entire drug discovery, preclinical, and clinical development process across multiple therapeutic modalities, including small molecules, biologics, and CGT products. With over 21,000 employees and operations in the U.S., the U.K. and China. Pharmaron has an excellent track record in delivering R&D solutions to its partners in North America, Europe, Japan, and China.

Collaborative Culture: You will thrive in our inclusive and collaborative environment, where teamwork and innovation go hand in hand. Here, your voice matters, and your contributions make a real impact. "Employees Number One" and "Clients Centered" are the core cultural values at Pharmaron. Our culture, which sets Pharmaron apart from other organizations, has evolved from our deep commitment to our employees, partners, and collaborators.

Benefits: As part of our commitment to your well-being, we offer a comprehensive benefits package:

• 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

How to Apply:

Ready to seize this incredible opportunity? Join us at Pharmaron and be part of a dynamic team driving innovation and excellence in biopharmaceutical research and development. Apply online today!

As an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer, Pharmaron values diversity and inclusion in the workplace, fostering an environment where all individuals are empowered to succeed. Join us in our mission to make a difference in the world of life sciences.

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