Research Associate III

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Working at Abbott
At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and your family, be your true self, and live a full life. You’ll also have access to:

• Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.
• Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.
• An excellent retirement savings plan with a high employer contribution.
• Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program, and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree.
• A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries worldwide and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.
• A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as the best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.

The Opportunity

The Research Associate Scientist position in San Diego executes and conducts research, development, and other scientific/technical activities in the fields of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. The role designs, tests, analyzes, optimizes, characterizes, troubleshoots, and validates assays for use in decentralized settings, including integration with upstream sample preparation technologies and downstream consumable applications. The Associate Scientist may facilitate and recommend improvements and/or new procedures related to products or processes. The role may lead small to medium-sized projects. Additionally, the Associate Scientist independently develops data presentations for use within the organization.

What You'll Work On

• Investigate, create, and develop new methods and technologies to advance projects with limited assistance. Design and execute experiments, perform data analyses, and implement follow‑up actions to achieve established milestones.
• Conduct moderately complex experiments and seek guidance from more experienced colleagues as needed to address technical and experimental design challenges. Demonstrate the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of independence.
• Address problems of moderate complexity and diverse scope related to qPCR, RT‑PCR, rapid PCR, multiplex PCR, and isothermal amplification. Analyze experimental results to support data interpretation, draw conclusions, and initiate troubleshooting and root‑cause analyses.
• Plan and execute projects of smaller scope under supervision.
• Participate in routine laboratory maintenance activities and adhere to laboratory safety requirements.
• Prepare technical reports and experimental documentation; independently document scientific data in compliance with the Quality System. Apply critical thinking and sound judgment. With minimal guidance, develop protocols, write reports, and prepare summaries and presentations for peers and stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. degree in Biological Sciences or a related discipline.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible laboratory or industry experience.
• Demonstrated practical laboratory skills with increasing technical complexity gained through experience.
• Proven problem‑solving abilities with increasing independence and scope as experience grows.
• Solid understanding of scientific principles with the ability to apply more advanced concepts, techniques, and methodologies through hands‑on experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field; M.S. with four (2) or more years of relevant industry experience, or B.S. with six (5) or more years of relevant industry experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience developing rapid molecular diagnostic assays.
• Demonstrated knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures related to molecular amplification technologies, including isothermal amplification, PCR, qPCR, RT‑PCR, dPCR, rapid PCR, and multiplex PCR, with experience in data evaluation, analysis, and interpretation.
• Working knowledge of experimental approaches, protocols, and scientific methods, including experimental design and data interpretation, with increasing technical depth through experience.
• Proficiency in data analysis using Excel and JMP, with strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, cross‑functional environment.

The base pay for this position is

$77,600.00 – $126,700.00

In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.

JOB FAMILY:

Research and Discovery

DIVISION:

ID Infectious Disease

LOCATION:

United States > San Diego : 4545 Towne Center Court

ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:

WORK SHIFT:

Standard

TRAVEL:

No

MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:

Not Applicable

SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES:

Continuous standing for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day), Routine work with chemicalsAbbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans.EEO is the Law link - English: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO\_English.pdfEEO is the Law link - Espanol: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO\_Spanish.pdf