Lab Operations Specialist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Position: In Vivo Operations Specialist

Salary Range: $80k - $100k (DOE) 

Location: Carlsbad, CA (on-site)

About Pharmaron

Pharmaron is a global CRO (Contract Research Organization) helping pharma and biotech companies bring new therapies to life. With over 21,000 employees worldwide across 23 locations in the US, UK and China, we support drug discovery through to manufacturing with fully integrated, high-quality services.

We're proud of the impact we make and just last year, we supported over 780 discovery projects, 1,000+ CMC programmes, and 1,000+ clinical trials across all phases. Our teams are involved in everything from small molecules, ADC's, biologics, and gene therapies and we work with more than 3,000 global customers. To learn more, visit www.pharmaron.com.

Job Overview:

The In Vivo Operations Specialist works closely with the medical device leadership and is responsible for managing day to day laboratory operations and oversight and of the lab activities involving the testing of medical devices and combination products. The In Vivo Operations specialist will also function as a study manager assisting the study directors.

The In vivo operations specialist will be a key member of the Pharmaron Operations Team and function as a liaison between sponsors, internal research scientists, and research associates.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the in vivo / surgical research laboratory to ensure studies run safely, efficiently, and on schedule.
• Coordinate operating room schedules, staffing assignments, equipment readiness, and supply availability.
• Monitor workflow throughout the day and adjust resources in real time to meet shifting study priorities.
• Ensure end-of-day closeout activities are completed, including cleaning, restocking, and next-day preparation.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and quality.
• Partner with Study Directors and scientific leadership to plan and execute preclinical medical device and combination product studies.
• Maintain the master study calendar, ensuring accurate scheduling, resource allocation, and milestone tracking.
• Lead internal kickoff meetings to align teams on timelines, protocols, staffing, and study expectations.
• Support active studies by coordinating logistics, resolving issues quickly, and ensuring timelines are met.
• Assist with protocol execution, data collection workflows, and report deliverables as needed.
• Serve as a primary operational point of contact for sponsors before, during, and after study execution.
• Provide timely updates regarding scheduling, study progress, operational milestones, and deliverables.
• Respond to sponsor requests professionally, accurately, and with a strong customer-service mindset.
• Build trusted relationships with clients through responsiveness, reliability, and study excellence.
• Ensure all activities are performed in accordance with SOPs, USDA regulations, FDA GLP standards, and site policies.
• Support radiation safety programs including training, documentation, and compliant equipment use.
• Maintain accurate records for study scheduling, protocols, data, equipment maintenance, and operational metrics.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Assist research teams with animal handling, restraint, dosing, anesthesia support, peri-operative activities, and related procedures as needed.
• Provide floor support during high-volume or high-priority study days to ensure successful execution.
• Contribute as a hands-on team member while balancing leadership and operational oversight.

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree + 5 years relevant experience, or Master's degree + 1–3 years relevant experience
• Experience in laboratory, preclinical, CRO, or vivarium environments
• Experience coordinating operations or projects in fast-paced settings
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Anesthesia, analgesia, and peri-operative care experience
• Protocol/report writing experience
• Sponsor-facing or client-facing experience

Why Pharmaron?

Pharmaron is a premier service provider for the life sciences industry. Founded in 2004, Pharmaron has invested in its people and facilities and established a broad spectrum of research, development, and manufacturing service capabilities throughout the entire drug discovery, preclinical, and clinical development process across multiple therapeutic modalities, including small molecules, biologics, and CGT products. With over 21,000 employees and operations in the U.S., the U.K. and China. Pharmaron has an excellent track record in delivering R&D solutions to its partners in North America, Europe, Japan, and China.

Collaborative Culture: You will thrive in our inclusive and collaborative environment, where teamwork and innovation go hand in hand. Here, your voice matters, and your contributions make a real impact. "Employees Number One" and "Clients Centered" are the core cultural values at Pharmaron. Our culture, which sets Pharmaron apart from other organizations, has evolved from our deep commitment to our employees, partners, and collaborators.

Benefits: As part of our commitment to your well-being, we offer a comprehensive benefits package:

• Insurance including Medical, Dental & Vision with significant employer contributions
• Employer-funded Health Reimbursement Account
• Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• 100% Employer-paid Employee Life and AD&D Insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 401k plan with generous employer match
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program

How to Apply:

Ready to seize this incredible opportunity? Join us at Pharmaron and be part of a dynamic team driving innovation and excellence in biopharmaceutical research and development. Apply online today!

As an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer, Pharmaron values diversity and inclusion in the workplace, fostering an environment where all individuals are empowered to succeed. Join us in our mission to make a difference in the world of life sciences.

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