Associate Scientist

QuidelOrtho unites the strengths of Quidel Corporation and Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, creating a world-leading in vitro diagnostics company with award-winning expertise in immunoassay and molecular testing, clinical chemistry and transfusion medicine. We are more than 6,000 strong and do business in over 130 countries, providing answers with fast, accurate and consistent testing where and when they are needed most - home to hospital, lab to clinic.

Our culture puts our team members first and prioritizes actions that support happiness, inspiration and engagement. We strive to build meaningful connections with each other as we believe that employee happiness and business success are linked. Join us in our mission to transform the power of diagnostics into a healthier future for all.

The Role

At QuidelOrtho, we're advancing the power of diagnostics for a healthier future for all. Join our mission as our next Associate Scientist to support research and development. Responsibilities include research and development activities toward development and validation of new products and transfer of products and technologies to manufacturing. The Associate Scientist may also provide technical support to manufacturing in addressing issues that can cause product supply interruptions.

This position will be onsite full-time at our San Diego, CA office (Sorrento Valley).

The Responsibilities

• Develop scientific plans and approaches
• Accomplish objectives through sound project management
• Design experiments to develop and optimize assays
• Identify and resolve assay performance issues
• Collaborate with internal and external resources
• Summarize experimental data and draw conclusions independently
• Support the determination of feasibility, process development, raw material, in process, product specifications validation, creation and implementation of documentation, and training of personnel
• Provides technical direction and mentoring to lower-level employees
• Maintain project documentation in accordance with internal and external regulatory requirements as part of the design control process
• Maintain a safe working environment
• Support development of QC standards and test methods
• Support the development of FMEA's and product design documentation
• Perform other work-related duties as assigned

The Individual

Required:

• BA/BS in life sciences and/or skills usually associated with 4-7 years of
  relevant industrial experience
• MA/MS in life sciences plus at least 2 years' experience.
• Background in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, virology, immunology, or related field
• Specific technical skills as defined by management based on anticipated and approved projects in agreement with strategic company goals and objectives
• Knowledge of scientific principals and concepts
• Experience in product development and experimental design
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills
• Good organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability to plan and execute experiments to: prove feasibility, develop new processes and assist in setting specifications, characterize materials and set specifications
• Troubleshoot problems
• Ability to work within cross-functional teams
• Strong communication skills, written and verbal
• Must exhibit professionalism, maturity and display desire to succeed, be self-motivated and proactive
• Working knowledge of relevant analytical tools (Design of Experiments, Statistical Process Control, Problem Solving, etc.)
• Demonstrate ability to consistently meet proposed objective timelines, apply competent use of project planning and project management skills
• Working knowledge of manufacturing tools and processes
• Knowledge of quality system regulations and processes
• Appropriate computer skills (e-mail, word processing, graphing software)
• Must be able to resolve moderately complex technical problems semi-independently
• Must possess ability to develop experimental plans and execute associated activities per communicated timelines
• This position is not currently eligible for visa sponsorship

How We Work

At QuidelOrtho, our culture is shaped by four core behaviors that guide how we collaborate, make decisions, and support each other and those we serve. The ideal candidate will exhibit these behaviors, as we believe they're essential to how we thrive as a team and achieve meaningful impact:

• Thrive Together - Collaborate intentionally, grow as a team
• Make It Happen - Focus on priorities, embrace continuous improvement
• Commit to Service - Cultivate a service mindset
• Embrace Inclusion - Be open and authentic, welcome diverse perspectives

The Key Working Relationships

Internal Partners:

• R&D, Manufacturing, Regulatory, Management, Quality Control, Engineering and other departments as needed.

External Partners:

• Vendors and suppliers as needed.

The Work Environment

The work environment characteristics are representative of a manufacturing, laboratory, or warehouse environment and include handling of viral and bacterial hazards, potentially hazardous chemicals, as well as infectious or potentially infectious bodily fluids, tissues, and samples. Up to 75% of the time at desk, standing or sitting extended periods of time. Flexible work hours to meet project deadlines

Physical Demands

This position has a light physical demand, and may include occasional sitting, standing, walking, repetitive movements of hands (i.e. typing and pipetting), light grasping, and lifting items weighing up to 20 pounds.

Salary Transparency

The salary range for this position takes into account a wide range of factors including education, experience, knowledge, skills, geography, and abilities of the candidate, in addition to internal equity and alignment with market data. At QuidelOrtho, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The salary range for this position is $85,000 to $95,000 and is bonus eligible. QuidelOrtho offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with a 401(k) plan, employee assistance program, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, paid time off (including sick time), and paid Holidays. All benefits are non-contractual, and QuidelOrtho may amend, terminate, or enhance the benefits provided, as it deems appropriate.

Equal Opportunity

QuidelOrtho believes in Equal Opportunity for all and is committed to ensuring all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, have an opportunity to apply for those positions that they are interested in and qualify for without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. QuidelOrtho is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals so that an individual can perform the duties. If you are interested in applying for an employment opportunity and require special assistance or an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please contact us at recruiting@quidelortho.com.

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