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Contract Biotech Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Contracts Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$119K - $156K/yr

... biotech fields are strongly preferred; California notary a plus * Familiarity and/or experience with data privacy matters is a plus * Highly organized and detail-oriented with strong contract ...

Manager level: 5+ years of relevant contract management experience, ideally within biotech, pharma, or another regulated industry. * Strong organizational skills with the ability to track and ...

Experience negotiating clinical site budgets and/or contract terms directly with investigative sites or CROs. * Experience working in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical company supporting clinical ...

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Contract Biotech information

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$15

$36

$54

How much do contract biotech jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract biotech in the United States is $36.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.44 and $43.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract biotech?

A Contract Biotech refers to a company or professional that provides biotechnology research, development, and manufacturing services to other organizations on a contractual basis. These services can include laboratory research, drug development, clinical trials, and production of biological products. Contract Biotech organizations help pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, and startups accelerate their projects without needing to build extensive in-house capabilities. This allows clients to access specialized expertise and facilities, manage costs, and bring products to market more efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract biotech?

To thrive as a Contract Biotech professional, you need a strong background in biological sciences, laboratory techniques, and data analysis, usually supported by a relevant degree in biotechnology or a related field. Familiarity with lab information management systems (LIMS), molecular biology tools, and compliance regulations like GLP or GMP is typically required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are essential for collaborating with clients and team members. These competencies ensure accurate project delivery, adherence to regulatory standards, and successful client relationships in a dynamic biotech environment.

What are some common challenges faced by contract biotech professionals, and how can they be addressed?

Contract biotech professionals often encounter challenges related to adapting quickly to new organizational cultures and workflows, as they may work with multiple clients or projects in short timeframes. Balancing the expectations of different stakeholders while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards can also be demanding. To address these challenges, it's important to develop strong communication skills, be proactive in understanding project goals, and stay current with industry regulations. Building a network within the biotech community can also help with knowledge-sharing and support.

What is the difference between Contract Biotech vs Contract Research Associate?

AspectContract BiotechContract Research Associate
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Life Sciences, relevant experienceBachelor's or Master's in Life Sciences, laboratory skills
Work EnvironmentBiotech companies, labs, manufacturing facilitiesResearch labs, clinical trial sites, biotech firms
Employer & Industry UsageBiotech firms, pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizationsResearch organizations, biotech companies, clinical research settings

Contract Biotech roles typically involve working on product development, manufacturing, or process optimization within biotech companies, often requiring technical expertise. Contract Research Associates focus on supporting clinical trials and research studies, performing experiments, and data collection. While both roles are contract-based and in the biotech industry, Contract Biotech positions emphasize technical and manufacturing skills, whereas Contract Research Associate roles center on research and clinical support.

Is contract biotech still a good career?

Contract biotech roles are still in demand due to ongoing innovation in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. These positions often require specialized skills such as laboratory techniques, regulatory knowledge, and adaptability to project-based work, making them a viable career option for those with relevant expertise.
More about Contract Biotech jobs

What cities are hiring for Contract Biotech jobs?

Cities with the most Contract Biotech job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Biotech jobs?

The most popular types of Biotech jobs are:

What states have the most Contract Biotech jobs?

States with the most job openings for Contract Biotech jobs include:

Infographic showing various Contract Biotech job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,585 per year, or $36.3 per hour.

Contracts Manager

San Diego, CA • On-site

Element Biosciences
Biotechnology Research and Development • 51 - 200 employees

$119K - $156K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

At Element Biosciences, we are passionate about our mission to empower the scientific community with more freedom and flexibility to accelerate our collective impact on humanity. We have built a highly efficient product-driven organization where employees can learn, grow, and thrive in a challenging but encouraging environment. We are committed to scientific integrity, collegiality, honesty, objectivity, and openness.
We are seeking a motivated and experienced Contracts Manager to join our in-house Legal Team. This role will be pivotal in providing comprehensive commercial and contract legal advice and support across all functions of the company to ensure alignment with the company's strategic objectives. We are looking for candidates with solid experience in contracts andbusiness legal support, preferably in the biotechnology industry. This role will report to Senior Director, Commercial Legal & Compliance and will be based in San Diego
If you possess the following and want to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to explore this role.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
  • Independently draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of agreements, including NDAs, MTAs, Instrument Loan Agreements, Reagent Rental Agreements, and other agreements to support research and business operations
  • Provide efficient, timely, and valued legal support to help the business achieve its goals while also mitigating risk to the company
  • Escalate and coordinate legal and other issues to the appropriate internal stakeholders (i.e. Legal Counsel, Commercial, R&D, Operations/Business Operations, etc.) to facilitate and resolve contractual issues
  • Provide Marketing Legal Review support, including legal review of marketing collateral, publications/presentations, and customer facing documentation
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders to understand business requirements and ensure alignment with company goals and policies
  • Work closely with internal stakeholders and cross-functional teams to advise of potential risks and mitigation strategies
  • Help develop, manage, and implement Legal's templates, playbooks, and procedures
  • Interface with global teams across the company to gauge and anticipate legal needs
  • Provide high level of client satisfaction

Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree with at least 6 or more years' experience as a contracts manager or paralegal in the life sciences or biotechnology industry
  • Experience in the life sciences and/or biotech fields are strongly preferred; California notary a plus
  • Familiarity and/or experience with data privacy matters is a plus
  • Highly organized and detail-oriented with strong contract drafting skills
  • Adept at managing multiple and shifting priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
  • Excellent communication, problem-solving, and critical/strategic thinking skills
  • Self-directed, proactive, and enterprising
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with and support colleagues and clients, including senior leadership

Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to lift up to 20 pounds

Location:
  • San Diego/On-site

Travel:
  • Willingness to travel up to 10% of the time

Job Type:
  • Full-time

Base Compensation Pay Range:
  • $119,000 - $156,000

In addition to base compensation noted above, you will be eligible for stock options, discretionary annual bonus, no cost health insurance plans, 401k with company match, and flexible paid time off.
Please note: Base compensation will depend on multiple factors, including geographic location, qualifications, and experience.
We foster an environment such that all people are afforded the freedom to pursue their passions without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.