Sr Scientist - Biomarker Development

Senior Scientist – Biomarker Development

Kelly® Science & Clinical is seeking a Senior Scientist – Biomarker Development for a contract-to-hire position at a cutting-edge client in San Diego, CA. If you're passionate about bringing the latest scientific discoveries to life and are ready to take the next step in your career, trust The Experts at Hiring Experts.

Pay: $130-170k

Schedule: Remote M-F

Overview

Our Client is an industry-leading, clinical-stage biotherapeutics company that's leading the way in developing breakthrough neuroprotective therapeutics for highly prevalent, blinding diseases that currently have no good therapeutic alternatives. Using novel approaches, our Client is advancing first-in-class and best-in-class protein therapeutics and gene therapy solutions poised to significantly impact patients' lives.

In this role, you will join a growing team as a Senior Scientist focused on biomarker development and testing, spanning research through early clinical development. You will help define fit-for-purpose biomarker plans for both gene therapy and small molecule therapeutic candidates, develop and qualify the assays that support those plans, and oversee execution of clinical testing through internal and external laboratories — including evaluating how a given drug impacts its target biomarker across both small molecule and biologic programs.

Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and optimize molecular and protein-based assays for quantitation of therapeutic proteins, target engagement markers, and pharmacodynamic markers, including refinement of assay conditions, sample volume requirements, and matrix interference.

• Evaluate emerging biomarker technologies and analytical approaches based on their ability to address meaningful development questions.

• Manage and review assay development plans, qualification protocols, qualification reports, and SOPs.

• Assist in the maintenance of critical reagents, qualification of new materials, lot-to-lot bridging, and reference standard lifecycle.

• Oversee clinical biomarker sample testing at CRO partners, including sample logistics and chain of custody, data review, and vendor performance management.

• Define sample collection, processing, shipping, and storage requirements for each sample type.

• Serve as the biomarker representative and point of contact on internal teams, providing strategic biomarker input to program-level decision making based on the specifics of each assay or output of testing.

• Author biomarker sections of clinical protocols, laboratory manuals, or other regulatory documents as needed.

• Maintain accurate and detailed experimental notes in an electronic laboratory notebook or other report systems.

Qualifications:

• MS with 6+ years, or PhD with 3+ years, of experience in a laboratory setting performing or managing molecular and/or cell-based experiments.

• Hands-on experience developing and qualifying ligand-binding assays, with demonstrated proficiency in ELISA and MSD electrochemiluminescence methods, including troubleshooting sensitivity, background, matrix, and interference issues.

• Experience overseeing or collaborating on in vitro and in vivo assay design to test gene therapy, small molecule, or protein products.

• Experience taking assays from early development through qualification and into use for nonclinical or clinical sample testing.

• Direct or CRO management experience involving sample testing procedures.

• Preferred: experience supporting programs across multiple stages of clinical development and contributing biomarker content to IND or other regulatory submissions.

• Prior experience documenting laboratory results in written or electronic laboratory notebooks and writing formal study reports.

• Proven problem-solving skills with the ability to adapt to shifting priorities and deadlines.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including a strong command of written English for scientific writing.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work and communicate effectively within the organization.

• High personal integrity and strong work ethic.

• Ability to operate with substantial latitude in a fast-paced environment.

What happens next:

Once you apply, you'll proceed to next steps if your skills and experience look like a good fit. But don't worry – even if this position doesn't work out, you're still in our network. That means our team of expert Science & Clinical recruiters will have access to your profile, making your opportunities limitless.

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As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Please note: The following benefits reflect Kelly's general offerings. Eligibility may vary by assignment, location, and job type. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here (https://www.mykelly.com/help-support-working-with-kelly-us/#Benefits) for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly ® Science & Clinical?

Kelly Science & Clinical is your connection to premier scientific and clinical companies looking to hire industry experts just like you. Our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. Every day, we match science professionals with dream jobs that fit their skills, interests, and career goals—it’s the way we think job searching should be. Nearly 100 percent of our science recruiters have a professional background and education in science, so we know a thing or two about the science market and how to get your expertise noticed.

About Kelly

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Kelly Services is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We welcome, value, and embrace diversity at all levels and are committed to building a team that is inclusive of a variety of backgrounds, communities, perspectives, and abilities. At Kelly, we believe that the more inclusive we are, the better services we can provide. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to Kelly’s Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment.