
Research Associate
South San Francisco, CAContract$30–35/hrSeen todaySeen in employer's feed today
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At a glance
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Requirements
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Job overview
The Research Associate will join the Discovery Chemistry Group within the Analytical Research department, supporting small-molecule drug discovery through purification of small molecules, peptides, macrocycles, and other modalities. The role primarily uses preparative HPLC and involves developing methods, interpreting and presenting analytical findings, troubleshooting instruments and methods, and collaborating with chemists. A bachelor's degree in a related scientific discipline is required; approximately two years of post-college experience is preferred.
Skills & qualifications
Skills
Qualifications
Benefits
Full job description
Job Title: Research Associate
Location: South San Francisco, CA
Type: 12-month contract
Compensation: $30 - $35
Work Model: Onsite
Overview
We are seeking a hands-on Research Associate to join the Discovery Chemistry Group within the Analytical Research department. This individual will support small-molecule drug discovery through the purification of small molecules, short peptides, macrocycles, and other modalities, primarily utilizing preparative HPLC technology. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in purification and analytical chemistry, with practical experience in chromatography techniques and laboratory instrumentation.
Responsibilities
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Support the purification of small molecules for drug discovery.
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Be responsible for all aspects of purifying small molecules, short peptides, macrocycles, and other modalities, primarily using preparative HPLC technology.
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Develop HPLC methods.
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Summarize, interpret, and present analytical data and research findings.
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Troubleshoot instrument and method problems.
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Interact with chemists to support their projects.
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Present findings at group meetings.
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Keep up to date with the latest methods, technologies, and developments in the field.
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Contribute to innovation, teamwork, and creative problem-solving through the use of state-of-the-art technology, including HPLC, LC-MS, and various automation equipment.
Requirements
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BS degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline is required. Candidates with a Master's degree may also be considered.
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Strong theoretical knowledge of organic and analytical chemistry, with hands-on experience in purification and chromatography techniques, including RP, NP, IEX, and SPE.
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Hands-on experience with analytical techniques such as MS and NMR.
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Experience with preparative HPLC and LC-MS is highly desirable.
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Previous experience working in a high-volume laboratory environment.
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Comfortable performing repetitive, hands-on laboratory tasks.
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Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while remaining highly organized, detail-oriented, motivated, and capable of multitasking.
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Strong time management and problem-solving skills.
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Ability to work collaboratively within a team as well as independently, with a strong sense of individual accountability.
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Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
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Ability to communicate technical findings and present analytical data to team members.
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Approximately 2 years of post-college experience is preferred.
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Academic laboratory experience is acceptable.
System One, and its subsidiaries including Mountain Ltd., are leaders in delivering outsourced services and workforce solutions across North America. We help clients get work done more efficiently and economically, without compromising quality. System One not only serves as a valued partner for our clients, but we offer eligible employees health and welfare benefits coverage options including medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan.
System One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, family care or medical leave status, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
#LI-
Ref: #558-Scientific
System One, and its subsidiaries including Joulé, ALTA IT Services, CM Access, TPGS, and MOUNTAIN, LTD., are leaders in delivering workforce solutions and integrated services across North America. We help clients get work done more efficiently and economically, without compromising quality. System One not only serves as a valued partner for our clients, but we offer eligible full-time employees health and welfare benefits coverage options including medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan.
System One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, family care or medical leave status, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
How this job compares
Set against the 1,110 open Research Associate jobs on Olive Jobs, counted November 6, 2026.
- Pay
- This posting$30–35/hr
- California median$31–36/hr23 hourly ranges
- US median$20–22/hr124 hourly ranges
This range's midpoint, $32.50/hr, is 3% below the California median midpoint ($34/hr) — in the middle half of Research Associate hourly ranges in California.
- Openings
- Olive Jobs lists 119 open Research Associate jobs in California and 1,110 across the US. Under 1% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
- Hiring the most in California
- Cedars-Sinai20 open
- University of Southern California18 open
- UCLA Health7 open
- Experience
- Research Associate postings that state a minimum ask for 2 years of experience at the median; the middle half ask for 1 to 3 years (291 postings).
- Education
- This posting asks for a bachelor's degree; 618 of the 1,110 open Research Associate jobs (56%) ask for a bachelor's degree or higher.
Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on November 6, 2026. Pay medians are the middle values of the low ends and of the high ends of postings that list both ends of a range in the same cadence (a yearly salary or an hourly rate); a range's midpoint is halfway between its ends. Pay and experience figures resting on fewer than 20 postings are left out.
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