Scientist Jobs in Berkeley, CA

Compound Management Research Scientist II

Location: Emeryville, CA

The Compound Management Group (CMG) in Emeryville enables small-molecule drug discovery by providing access to local compound samples, as well as samples provided by external research partners, for biological testing. The group dissolves compounds and distributes them in various customized formats to scientists locally and globally on a daily basis. To perform these functions, the group maintains and employs multiple storage, liquid-handling, and plate-handling systems that are closely integrated within the NIBR informatics infrastructure. The group partners closely with scientists in Emeryville, NIBR Informatics teams, and Compound Management Groups at other sites.

This position is looking for a highly motivated individual to be a key contributor to the Compound Management (CMG). As a member of CMG, the successful candidate will support compound fulfillment, disbursement, operation, development, and validation of laboratory automation systems. The candidate will also support initiatives to upgrade and update systems and validate critical lab automation, while prioritizing order fulfillment and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support day-to-day compound-handling workflows, including prioritization and fulfillment of daily orders, receiving and distribution of samples, validation of laboratory equipment, management of laboratory supplies, and periodic review of Standard Operating Procedures.
• Support compound management tasks such as manual transfer and weighing of compounds in powder format, compound dissolution using automated liquid handlers, and preparation of compound solutions in plated formats using manual and automated systems.
• Serve as the first point of contact to inform and assist in troubleshooting a variety of equipment, operational, and logistical matters.
• Proactively collaborate with internal teams and external partners to deliver compounds in required formats to support research projects.
• Approach work with urgency, manage basic research activities in parallel, and support general lab responsibilities.
• Be self-motivated and flexible in managing multiple priorities, adapting plans quickly as needed in a fast-paced environment.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline, with at least 2 years of experience supporting automated laboratory operations in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology environment. Equivalent direct experience in compound management (8+ years) may be considered.
• Hands-on experience operating and troubleshooting laboratory automation platforms, including liquid-handling systems such as Tecan, Agilent, or Hamilton, as well as automated compound storage systems such as TTP Labtech.
• Prior experience working in a laboratory environment handling chemicals and small molecules, performing compound dissolution, and preparing assay-ready plates for biologists is preferred.
• Practical understanding of compound management processes, including inventory management, solution production, powder storage, quality control, logistics, and service-oriented lab operations.
• Self-motivated, well-organized, and reliable individual with a customer-focused mindset.
• Experience troubleshooting laboratory workstations and automation platforms, with particular emphasis on Agilent and Tecan automation platforms.
• Excellent written, verbal, and time-management skills.
• Proven ability to work as both a team member and an individual contributor.
• Excellent attention to detail, keen observational skills, and a commitment to quality.