Research Associate

Job Description

Job Summary:

• In this role, the primary responsibility will be laboratory maintenance and experimental execution related to internal manufacturing and technical innovation.
• The ideal candidate will have experience in common mammalian upstream unit operations, either in a development/MSAT lab or in manufacturing operations.
• This role will support late stage and commercial projects through bench scale and pilot scale cell culture experiments.
• The ideal candidate would be comfortable in a fast-paced environment where they are required to troubleshoot technical challenges and apply innovative technologies to solve manufacturing problems.
• The incumbent will work in a highly collaborative environment requiring attention to detail, good communication skills, and a willingness to learn.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Laboratory management (maintaining and cleaning equipment, analytical instrument maintenance, ordering and stocking supplies).
• Media and buffer preparation for mammalian cell culture.
• Building, maintaining, and cleaning benchtop bioreactor cultures; supporting pilot-scale (50-200L) single-use bioreactor through equipment setup, culture maintenance, and cleanup.
• Designing and executing experimental studies with increasing complexity (OFAT and DOE).
• Independent data analysis and visualization with Excel, JMP, or R with guidance from supervisor.
• Summarizing and presenting experimental findings in team meetings and documenting work in lab notebooks and technical reports.
• Meticulous maintenance of laboratory records/notebooks, equipment logbooks, and other electronic files.
• Collaborating with vendors on new products and technologies, including setting up demos, communicating about issues, and developing custom part numbers.
• Literature search and review to support understanding of experimental findings.
• Data verification, sample management, and other manufacturing support activities.
• Routine weekend work and occasional holiday/overtime as experiments demand.

Knowledge, abilities and experience:

• 2-5 years of relevant experience in laboratory or manufacturing setting (preferably cell culture).
• Exceptional aseptic technique and familiarity with common bioreactor and cell culture equipment.
• Strong organization and time/task management skills in order to keep track of multiple projects at once.
• Strong ability to independently solve problems, propose solutions, and think critically and creatively.
• A willingness to learn fast and contribute to team goals while taking on increasing responsibilities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills alongside ability to collaborate with others in a dynamic environment.
• Adherence to laboratory safety guidelines and, SOPs, and other regulatory requirements.
• Must be willing and able to work on a flexible schedule (e.g. weekend rotations) while maintaining reliable work hours.
• Ability to lift 50lbs, climb ladders, and stand for up to 8 hours a day.
• Experience in restaurant, retail, or other service industry is a plus.
• Interest in data analytics, IT, AI, automation, or other technical areas a plus.

Education:

• B.S. degree in life sciences, biotechnology, or engineering, biochemistry, or related discipline.

Hard Skills:

• Work experience in a cell culture laboratory or manufacturing setting.
• Aseptic technique.
• Mammalian cell culture.

Soft Skills:

• Detail Oriented.
• Communication Skills (collaborative enviro).
• Ability to take initiative/work ethic.

Interview Process:

• 1:1 with HM Teams
• Panel Interview 2-3 hr. onsite