POSITION SUMMARY:

A Research Associate I (RA I) is responsible for carrying out reagent and assay development activities in the laboratory, under supervision, working to achieve development project goals including data analysis and assay qualification. This is a laboratory position performing protein-based immunoassays on a routine basis with relatively high throughput (3-10 plates per day). Some degree of professional latitude, creativity and self management is expected.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Analyze and prepare reagent and product documentation, organize and procure reagents, perform experiments, analyze data and document results
• Presentation of results
• Participation in general lab maintenance including maintaining laboratory supplies and equipment
• Maintain and update electronic or physical inventories
• Processing/aliquotting/vialing reagents and materials
• May work with Biosafety Level 2 materials such as viruses and bacteria and human clinical matrices (e.g. serum and plasma)
• Specific duties may vary depending upon departmental requirements

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in structural biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, enzymology, chemistry, bioengineering or related field of study
• 1 + years of experience (or academic internships) in protein-based immunoassays or assay development in an industrial setting is desired
• Experience in a wide-variety of molecular biology methods for nucleic acid analysis and manipulation including DNA and RNA purification, amplification, labeling and hybridization
• Solid understanding of DNA and RNA enzymology including polymerases, nucleases and modification enzymes.
• Expertise in a wide variety of enzymatic assays employing fluorescence, UV-Vis spectroscopy, electrophoretic and chromatographic methods, and other techniques
• Experience in analytical methods and detailed quantitative analysis for characterization of nucleic acids

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrate ability to process and characterize incoming biological reagents such as proteins and antibodies according to company procedures, and effectively communicate issues/problems and results that impact timelines, accuracy and reliability of laboratory data
• Proficiency in MS Office suite
• Familiarity with electronic file management using SharePoint (end user minimum) and MS Excel is highly desired
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work well with personnel at all levels
• Demonstrate an aptitude for learning and adhering to standard laboratory techniques and safety precautions as presented
o Complete appropriate documentation to support testing procedures including data capture, forms, logbooks, and inventory batch records
• A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected including the ability to multi-task and work productively in a demanding research environment with changing priorities

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Up to 85 % of the day may be spent at a lab bench
• There are aspects of the position’s duties that require a person in this role to work at heights above four (4) feet on occasion
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Laboratory environment working with chemical reagents and performing some Biosafety Level 2 work
o May involve handling of BSL-2 materials and organisms including human blood and/or blood products .