Associate Scientist II

Associate Scientist II
Pay rate: $35 - $44/hr based on years of experience
Length of Contract: 6 months with possible extension
Location/Site: Lake County - 100% Onsite (Lab based)

Orion Project Services and a market leading pharmaceutical company are teaming up once again for an exciting contract opportunity in North Chicago! We are seeking a highly motivated and collaborative Associate Scientist to join our Dermatology Immunology group within Discovery Research.

Candidates with extensive experience with primary cell cultures, in vitro based assays and immunoassays are highly desired. Apply today and take the first step towards your next career opportunity.

Job Description:
The selected individual will support early- through late-stage discovery programs by supporting complex in vitro experiments to study skin inflammation and immune biology. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience in primary cell culture, functional immunoassays, and an interest in complex 3D models like spheroids, organoids, or organ-on-chip systems.

Key Responsibilities for Associate Scientist II:

• Onsite Expectations: Role is primarily lab-based. ~90% onsite for experimental execution, ~10% for data analysis and study design.
• In Vitro Model Development: Support and execute in vitro assays using primary skin and immune cells to model inflammatory disease mechanisms.
• Assay Execution: Perform proliferation, differentiation, and co-culture experiments. Support immunoassays such as ELISA, MSD, and luminescent readouts.
• Complex Systems: Work with or support 3D skin models, organoids, or microfluidic-based organ-on-chip systems. Experience is a plus but not required.
• Data & Documentation: Analyze and interpret experimental results. Document work clearly in electronic lab notebooks and present findings to the team.
• Techniques: Utilize cell culture, pipetting, qPCR, immunoassays, and support flow cytometry or imaging-based analysis where appropriate.
• Protocol Development: Adapt existing SOPs and contribute to optimization of assay workflows.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner with scientists across dermatology, immunology, and other functional teams to support program goals.

Associate Scientist II Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with 3+ years of relevant lab experience, or Master’s degree with 0 years experience.
• Extensive experience with primary cell cultures and in vitro cell based assays is required.
• Experience with Immunoassays like ELISAs, MSDs is required
• Experience working with skin-relevant cell types (keratinocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial and immune cells).
• Familiarity with 3D or microfluidic systems (e.g., spheroids, organoids, organ-on-chip).
• Experience with immunoassays such as ELISA, MSD, or luminescence platforms.
• Exposure to flow cytometry, imaging, is preferred but not required.
• Strong data organization, communication, and teamwork skills.

Will be considered for Scientist I:

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of experience, or Master’s degree with 2+ years of experience.

Our role in supporting diversity and inclusion
As an international workforce business, we are committed to sourcing personnel that reflects the diversity and values of our client base but also that of Orion Group. We welcome the wide range of experiences and viewpoints that potential workers bring to our business and our clients, including those based on nationality, gender, culture, educational and professional backgrounds, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, and age differences, job classification and religion. In our inclusive workplace, regardless of your employment status as staff or contract, everyone is assured the right of equitable, fair and respectful treatment.