1

Contract Translational Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RESEARCH SCIENTIST, SENIOR

Durham, NC · On-site

$95K - $121K/yr

... sub-contract projects, and industry partners. Work Performed While our group employs in vitro ... Key Responsibilities: • Design, conduct, and analyze translational studies in non-rodent models ...

RESEARCH SCIENTIST, SENIOR

Durham, NC · On-site

$95K - $121K/yr

... sub-contract projects, and industry partners. Work Performed While our group employs in vitro ... Design, conduct, and analyze translational studies in non-rodent models. Collaborate with a ...

Showing results 41-60

Contract Translational Scientist information

See salary details

$37.5K

$122.7K

$196.5K

How much do contract translational scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract translational scientist in the United States is $122,738.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,500.00 and $136,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract translational scientist?

A Contract Translational Scientist is a professional hired on a temporary or project basis to bridge the gap between laboratory research and clinical application in the biomedical field. They collaborate with researchers, clinicians, and industry partners to translate scientific discoveries into practical medical treatments, diagnostics, or therapies. Their work often includes designing and conducting preclinical studies, analyzing data, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Contract roles allow organizations to access specialized expertise for specific projects without long-term commitments. This position is vital for advancing medical innovations from the lab to patient care.

What are some common challenges faced by contract translational scientists when working with cross-functional teams?

Contract Translational Scientists often collaborate with diverse teams, including clinicians, biostatisticians, and laboratory researchers. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication across disciplines, as each group may use different terminology and have unique priorities. Additionally, managing timelines and aligning project goals can be complex, especially when working on multiple studies simultaneously. Proactively seeking feedback, clarifying expectations, and maintaining organized records can help streamline these interdisciplinary collaborations.

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

To thrive as a Contract Translational Scientist, you need a strong background in biomedical sciences, experience in preclinical and clinical research, and often a relevant advanced degree (PhD, PharmD, or MD). Familiarity with data analysis tools (like R or Python), laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and regulatory compliance certifications are typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration skills set standout professionals apart in this role. These skills ensure effective translation of scientific discoveries into clinical applications, meeting project goals and regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Contract Translational Scientist vs Contract Research Scientist?

AspectContract Translational ScientistContract Research Scientist
CredentialsTypically requires a PhD or Master's in life sciencesUsually holds a Bachelor's or Master's in relevant fields
Work EnvironmentFocuses on bridging laboratory research to clinical applications, often in biotech or pharmaConducts laboratory experiments and data collection in research labs
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed by biotech, pharmaceutical, and clinical research organizationsFound in research institutions, biotech, and pharma companies

The Contract Translational Scientist primarily focuses on translating research findings into clinical applications, requiring advanced degrees and experience in translational research. In contrast, the Contract Research Scientist typically conducts laboratory experiments and data analysis, often with a Bachelor's or Master's degree. Both roles are vital in the biotech and pharma industries but differ in their focus and level of expertise.

What cities are hiring for Contract Translational Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Contract Translational Scientist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Translational Scientist jobs? The most popular types of Translational Scientist jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Translational Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Translational Scientist jobs include:

Research Associate, Translational Biology (CONTRACT)

Septerna

South San Francisco, CA

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Septerna is a biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, CA on a mission to develop life-changing medicines for patients with the vision to become the industry-leading G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-focused drug discovery company. The company's Native Complex Platform™ recapitulates GPCRs with their native structure, function, and dynamics outside of the cellular context. This approach enables novel access to modern structural and screening technologies used in industrial-scale drug discovery for the entire class of GPCRs. Septerna has an emerging pipeline of GPCR-targeted small molecule programs with potential for growth to target many GPCRs that have been undruggable and unexploited to date.

We are excited to expand our multidisciplinary team of individuals focused on creating revolutionary medicines to address the unmet needs of patients. At Septerna we strive to embrace diversity of thought, expertise, and background through collaboration. To join our ambitious team, be prepared to bring your real self to work every day; grow and learn from a talented team of drug hunters, scientists, and business professionals; and contribute your passion, creativity, and energy to accomplish our mission. We share a fearless pursuit of ground-breaking innovations and cultivate an environment where our employees succeed by learning from each other and working as a team.

We are committed to the development of meaningful therapeutics for patients with indications of high unmet need. This is a tremendous opportunity to work with talented individuals on the frontlines of therapeutic discovery and development. You will directly help move therapies through preclinical research, positioning them for success in the clinic. The successful candidate will add their passion, unique talents, and expertise to a dynamic team motivated to discover new disease-modifying therapeutics for patients in a fast-paced environment.

For more information see: www.septerna.com.

THE ROLE


This is a contracted position requiring 20-30 hours per week for a 6-month term. The Veterinary Technician / Research Associate will initially be responsible for conducting in vivo rodent studies, with the potential to engage in additional ex vivo or in vitro studies in the Translational Sciences Department to support the advancement of Septerna's small molecule drug discovery pipeline. The candidate will work independently and collaboratively in an inter-disciplinary setting to execute experiments in preclinical models to understand in vivo pharmacology, establish PK/PD relationships, and inform the efficacy of Septerna's therapeutic candidates. They will help generate in vivo and/or ex vivo data to determine therapeutic mechanisms of action, in vivo efficacy, and rank candidates for preclinical development. This role is expected to be primarily in the lab with some desk work. Regular weekend working hours will be required.

We are committed to the development of meaningful therapeutics for patients with indications of high unmet need. This is a tremendous opportunity to work with talented individuals on the frontlines of therapeutic discovery and development. You will help move therapies through preclinical development, positioning them for success in the clinic. The successful candidate will add their passion, unique talents, and expertise to a dynamic team on the frontlines of innovative therapeutic development.

The position is based in South San Francisco, CA.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Execute in vivo pharmacology studies to understand therapeutic mechanisms in relevant disease models
  • Work collaboratively to determine the mechanism of action of drug candidates, primarily with in vivo models
  • Be a member of multiple project teams
  • Dose large volumes of animals (approx. 50-80 rats per day)
  • Maintain and organize lab spaces
  • Follow all company policies/practices, and maintain accurate records and notebooks
  • Perform routine weekend study activities

REQUIRED EDUCATION, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

  • At least 2 years direct full-time experience with in vivo studies in academia or the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries
  • Experience working in vivarium laboratory settings with rats
  • Demonstrated ability to be hands on and work directly with rodent models, including multiple routes of administration (e.g. oral, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, intravenous, intramuscular) and sample collection (e.g. tail vein bleeds, jugular bleeds, cardiac puncture, necropsies, etc.).
  • Experience working with other scientists to collect and record study data consistently and accurately
  • Ability to collaborate and trouble-shoot biological experiments
  • Detail-oriented and organized, with strong interpersonal skills for clear and effective communication – ability to proactively engage and collaboration with colleagues

PREFERRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

  • BSc in Pharmacology, Toxicology, Animal Science, or related biological science
  • Experience working with in vitro/ex vivo protein and RNA/DNA assays (e.g. ELISA, qPCR)
  • Experience with subcutaneous injections and oral gavage routes of administration
  • Experience collecting and processing blood samples, especially timed blood collections
  • Experience with cell culture
  • Experience with data analysis using Excel and/or Prism
  • Experience working with rodent surgical models
  • Previous work on therapeutic discovery and development programs in the field of endocrine, inflammatory, neuroscience, or metabolic diseases

The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in South San Francisco, CA is $30.00/hr - $40.00/hr. Individual pay may vary based on additional factors, including, and without limitation, job-related skills, experience, work location and relevant education or training.

Note to Employment Agencies: Please do not forward any agency resumes. The company will not be responsible for any fees related to resumes that are unsolicited. We are an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status. Septerna participates in the E-Verify program. California Consumer Privacy Act Privacy Notice For Job Applicants. If you are a California resident, click here for our CCPA Notice.