Temporary Associate Scientist (6-month Assignment)
The Temporary Associate Scientist at Confidential Client supports assay development, validation, and transfer activities within a regulated laboratory environment. This role involves executing experiments, maintaining detailed documentation, analyzing data, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to advance diagnostic technologies. The position emphasizes adherence to quality standards, continuous improvement principles, and effective communication to contribute to innovative product development.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Scientific & QA.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Overview
This is a 6-month, full-time contract opportunity for a Temporary Associate Scientist supporting product development and assay work in a Scientific & QA environment. You will perform hands-on laboratory tasks, document results, and collaborate with cross-functional teams for assay development, validation, and transfer.
- Location: Portland, ME
- Employment type: Contract / Full time / Temporary
- Estimated pay: $38,129 per year (estimated)
Responsibilities
- Assist with stage-gate product development activities and execute experiments related to assay development, validation, and transfer
- Support project documentation and progress tracking (e.g., Smartsheet)
- Update team visual management boards regularly
- Apply continuous improvement principles (cadence, visual management, problem solving, kaizen)
- Contribute to assay development and validation activities in line with internal quality standards
- Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks (electronic and paper as required)
- Execute laboratory experiments (e.g., ELISA, lateral flow) following established protocols and standard work
- Perform routine lab tasks: sample prep, pipetting, buffer prep, general lab operations
- Record experimental procedures, results, and observations precisely in electronic lab notebooks
- Analyze experimental data using Excel or similar tools; identify trends and inconsistencies
- Prepare and present experimental findings to peers and managers at team data reviews
- Provide regular updates to team leaders and program managers
- Collaborate with R&D, Quality Assurance, and Manufacturing teams
- Help produce documentation: reports, test plans, and SOPs
- Handle regulated materials (including seed stewardship materials) per quality standards
- Follow all safety policies and promptly report unsafe conditions
- Participate in knowledge-sharing activities (Journal Club, Skill Matrix trainings)
- Lead by example with strong adherence to protocols and a positive work ethic
Skills & Abilities
- Accountability, reliability, and attention to detail in documentation and lab work
- Basic analytical and problem-solving skills
- Clear and effective communication within a team environment
- Ability to follow instructions and learn new techniques quickly
- Experience recording data and basic data interpretation
- Self-motivated with a willingness to learn and grow
- Proficient with Microsoft Office (especially Excel)
- Collaborative, positive attitude and strong work ethic
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field
- Hands-on laboratory experience (academic lab or internship)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with assay development, diagnostics, or applied research
- Foundational knowledge of immunoassays and antibody–antigen interactions
- Exposure to validation, verification, or quality systems
- Familiarity with regulated environments and documentation standards
- Experience with electronic lab notebooks and Smartsheet (or similar project management tools)
About the role & employer
This position supports product and assay development work for a confidential client operating in the Scientific & QA industry. The role is ideal for early-career scientists who enjoy hands-on lab work, careful documentation, and working on cross-functional product development teams.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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