Laboratory Manufacturing Associate I – Chemistry/Oligo

Location: San Diego, CA 92121 (Onsite – Sorrento Valley) | Must be local

Pay Rate: $25/hr (Weekly pay + benefits)

Duration: 6-month contract (Strong potential for extension or conversion)

Schedule: Monday–Friday | 6:00 a.m. or 9:00 a.m. start time (TBD based on experience, training needs, and team coverage)

Top 4 Must-Haves

• Chemistry Foundation: Relevant scientific education with a solid understanding of general chemistry principles. Must be able to clearly explain chemistry concepts and relevant coursework.
• Scientific Understanding: Ability to discuss laboratory science, chemical processes, calculations, measurements, and how they relate to production.
• Attention to Detail & Accuracy: Comfortable following detailed procedures, performing calculations, documenting work, and maintaining accuracy throughout production processes.
• Ability to Learn Complex Systems: Comfortable learning specialized laboratory equipment, automated production systems, and technical workflows.
• Bonus: Prior oligonucleotide experience or education

Abot the Company

Our client translates extraordinary science into everyday miracles, helping biotech, biopharma, and life sciences companies deliver novel vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics. The company is a global leader in nucleic acid production and biologics safety testing, supporting many of the world's leading biopharma, vaccine, diagnostics, and cell and gene therapy companies.

About the Role

*Candidates with a Chemistry degree may be considered even without direct biotech manufacturing experience, provided they can clearly explain relevant coursework and demonstrate retained knowledge of general chemistry*

Our client is seeking a Laboratory Manufacturing Associate I – Chemistry/Oligo to support specialized oligonucleotide manufacturing operations at its San Diego facility. This is an entry-level opportunity for someone with a strong chemistry or life sciences foundation who is interested in applying scientific knowledge in a hands-on manufacturing environment. This is more involved than a basic laboratory or assembly position. The role supports the production of oligonucleotides through detailed scientific and manufacturing processes, including material preparation, synthesis, purification, processing, calculations, equipment setup, and production documentation. Associates work with specialized laboratory equipment and automated production systems, following established procedures and technical workflows. The ability to understand the science behind the processes, learn new systems, follow instructions carefully, and communicate technical information clearly is important.

Training will be provided on company-specific procedures, equipment, systems, documentation, and production processes. Previous oligonucleotide manufacturing experience is preferred but not required. Candidates must bring a solid foundational understanding of chemistry and be able to explain how their education or prior experience relates to the work.

Associates should be comfortable spending approximately 80–90% of their workday in a laboratory, working closely with a small team and following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare materials, supplies, and equipment for daily oligonucleotide manufacturing activities.
• Support basic oligonucleotide synthesis, purification, processing, and related production steps under supervision.
• Perform material preparation, measurements, and production-related calculations with a high level of accuracy.
• Follow detailed production instructions, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and established manufacturing workflows.
• Learn to operate, monitor, and clean specialized laboratory equipment and automated production systems.
• Assist with equipment setup, production area preparation, and manufacturing changeovers.
• Accurately complete production forms, logs, batch records, and other required documentation in accordance with Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
• Work within ISO-classified manufacturing spaces while following applicable quality, safety, and cleanliness requirements.
• Identify and communicate equipment issues, process deviations, or unexpected results to supervisors or senior associates.
• Participate in required company, safety, quality, and cGMP training.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe laboratory and production work areas.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Associate II staff, supervisors, and other support teams to maintain production schedules and workflow.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Molecular Biology, or another related life sciences field, or equivalent relevant education and experience.
• 0–3 years of experience in a laboratory, biotech, life sciences, pharmaceutical, OR course work.
• Strong foundational knowledge of general chemistry. Candidates must be able to explain relevant chemistry concepts and discuss coursework, laboratory exercises, or prior experience that demonstrates their understanding.
• Ability to understand and explain scientific processes, general chemistry, measurements, calculations, and how they apply to laboratory production.
• Able to support material preparation, Oligonucleotide synthesis and purification
• Me be able to discuss the science behind your education or experience rather than simply listing laboratory techniques.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow detailed technical instructions and procedures.
• Must be able to learn specialized laboratory equipment, automated systems, and new production processes.
• Comfortable working in a hands-on laboratory manufacturing environment for most of the workday.
• Ability to accurately complete documentation and communicate production updates or concerns.
• Strong organizational skills, accountability, and willingness to learn.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a small team and accept coaching and feedback.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds when needed and stand or walk for extended periods.
• Experience with laboratory coursework, research, or professional work involving pipetting, chemical preparation, measurements, or calculations.
• Familiarity with SOPs, batch records, batch Documentation Practices (GDP), technical procedures or other quality-controlled processes.
• Bonus: Previous exposure to oligonucleotides, nucleic acids, or similar laboratory production processes either through work or education.
• Bonus: Exposure to cGMP manufacturing environments or working in ISO-classified cleanroom environments
• Bonus: Experience working with laboratory equipment, automated systems, or technical production workflows.



*Must haves:

·        Attention to Detail: Follows technical instructions carefully and produces accurate, consistent work.

• Problem-Solving: Recognizes issues, asks appropriate questions, and escalates concerns rather than making assumptions.
• Coachability: Learns from training and feedback and applies instructions consistently.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of assigned work and understands the importance of quality and documentation.
• Communication: Can explain work experience and technical processes clearly, directly, and with relevant examples.
• Organization: Manages materials, equipment, and assigned tasks in an orderly manner.

Additional Information

• This is an entry-level manufacturing opportunity. Candidates with approximately 0–3 years of experience or relevant scientific education are preferred.
• Previous oligonucleotide manufacturing experience is a plus, but the manager is willing to train candidates who demonstrate a strong chemistry foundation and ability to learn.
• Candidates with a Chemistry degree may be considered even without direct biotech manufacturing experience, provided they can clearly explain relevant coursework and demonstrate retained knowledge of general chemistry.
• This is a specialized laboratory manufacturing position involving scientific processes, production calculations, automated equipment, and detailed technical workflows. It is not a basic lab assistant, assembly, or packaging position.
• The first one to two weeks will generally focus on training, reviewing and signing off on SOPs, and shadowing experienced team members.
• Associates will work in laboratory attire while in the lab. Outside of the lab, attire is very casual.
• The start time will be determined based on experience, training needs, and team coverage. A specific shift cannot be guaranteed in advance.

TCWGlobal is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on age, ethnicity, gender, nationality, religious belief, or sexual orientation.