Research and Development Scientist III OR Senior (Sequencing)

Job Description

The Research Scientist is primarily responsible for conducting research, development, validation and execution of assays to meet the development requirements within corporate/client timelines and cost objectives.

This is a

PCR and Sequencing experience highly preferred

A Molecular Biology Lead

• Learn new techniques and instrumentation
• Implement research plans, designs and testing protocols
• Operate, calibrate and maintain all laboratory equipment and instruments according to standard operating procedures to ensure quality results
• Keep accurate documentation of all research project steps according to Viracor Eurofins regulatory guidelines
• Complete scientific write-ups of results and methods of performed experiments
• Accurately prepare, label and store reagents, standards, controls, proficiency testing material and patient specimens for analytical, clinical and biopharma validations analysis and short and long-term storage
• Assist in writing validation reports, standard operating procedures and study-specific work instructions
• Accurate pipetting and bench-level skills (i.e., pipette standard curves to within accurate limits stated in procedure manual)
• Disposes of bio hazardous materials, chemical waste, sharp and other potentially hazardous materials according to policy
• Participates in quality assurance/quality improvement activities. Follows all QC guidelines as stated in the Procedure Manual
• Represent department and the organization favorably and in accordance with established Company standards and associate attributes at all times
• Other duties as assigned by management

Level II – Fully meets the responsibilities of Level I plus the following:

• Writes standard operating procedures and study-specific work instructions with minimal assistance
• Writes development and validation plans and reports with minimal assistance
• Assists in preparation of poster presentations for national scientific meetings
• Assist in writing articles and research papers for publications
• Assists on the review process of validation documentation: protocols and reports
• Assists on establishing clear timelines per assigned projects
• Ability to multitask more than one assignment at a given time
• Perform literature searches and organize research article databases
• As appropriate, communicates with clients within project meetings or independently via email or phone

• Leads design, development, and execution of research projects with little to no assistance from senior management

• Analyzes and interprets data independently

• Independently writes development/validation plans and project reports

• Instructs other scientists and leads their development

• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer reviewed journals

• Prepare data for presentation at scientific meetings or for client presentations

• Leadership of assay generation, design, development and validation efforts for both clinical and Biopharma product development

• Provide leadership, supervision and technical guidance/oversight for Research Scientists, and for projects that these scientists are leading and contributing to ensure program productivity and efficiency

• Work closely and effectively with VP of R&D to ensure that R&D projects are progressing and milestones are achieved pursuant to organization and/or client timelines

• Manage performance of assigned laboratory scientists and support staff

• Work closely and effectively with Research Scientists to prioritize use of equipment and facilities for maximum productivity and efficiency

• Communication effectively with both internal and external clients regarding scientific issues/projects

• Write verification/validation reports and SOPs in accordance with Viracor Eurofins’ established guidelines

• Maintain and enhance R&D laboratory resources (facilities, equipment, and reagents)

• Ensure project cost objectives are met and communicated

• Serve as team member on various ongoing and future new test idea generation projects

• Develop and exhibit expertise in immunoassays, molecular assays, cell-based assays and other types of diagnostic assays

• Develop and maintain an effective working relationship with clinical laboratory team to allow effective, coordinated assay transition from the R&D phase to clinical use

• Develop an effective working relationship with Regulatory Affairs/Quality Assurance to assure R&D laboratory is in compliance with Viracor Eurofins’ established guidelines for documentation, quality and safety

• When appropriate, recruit and hire a sufficient number of qualified and trained laboratory assistants to maintain and support R&D activities

• When appropriate, conduct regular individual meetings with R&D Scientists that focus on execution of their respective responsibilities and project priorities

• Communicate program objectives to cross-functional teams (clinical laboratory, regulatory teams)

• Implement quality systems and quality assurance within diagnostic development efforts

• Commitment to a high quality of work and at the same a high level of productivity

• Maintain current knowledge of advances in pertinent scientific fields, as well as knowledge of applicable state and federal regulations germane to molecular and diagnostic laboratories, through attending lectures, seminar, professional conferences and courses

• Regularly contribute to laboratory team meetings that focus on associate training, associate development and continuous improvement in laboratory processes

• When appropriate, identify and develop training programs for R&D Scientists and dedicated staff

• Preparation of poster presentations for national scientific meetings

• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer reviewed journals

• Represent department and the organization favorably and in accordance with established Company standards and associate attributes at all times

• Active participation in team and company meeting

• Participate in developing corporate goals, objectives, and systems

• Other duties as assigned by management

Qualifications

Level I - Minimum

• BA/BS degree required or equivalent experience
• 0-3 years research and/or clinical laboratory experience, focused on method development
• Ability to read, understand, and follow safety and corporate procedures
• Ability to understand and follow specific instructions and procedures for research projects or diagnostic method development
• Goal oriented, with excellent time management and organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with ability to interact effectively and work efficiently with people at all levels in an organization
• Excellent verbal & written communication skills
• Keenly attentive to detail
• Ability to keep sensitive information confidential
• High level of proficiency with PC based software programs
• Willing to work with potentially infectious human blood and body fluids

Level II – Fully meets the responsibilities of Level I plus the following:

• 3-6 years research and/or clinical laboratory experience, focused on method development
• Ability to carefully plan, organize, coordinate and conduct multiple scientific research projects or diagnostic method development simultaneously
• Ability to develop and follow research methodology and practice

• Advanced degree preferred, in microbiology, immunology, biology, biochemistry, molecular biology or a related field

• 8+ years research and/or clinical laboratory experience with advanced degree, or 10 years of experience for BA/BS

• Demonstrated experience leading, organizing, coordinating and conducting challenging, highly complex, scientific research projects or diagnostic method development simultaneously

• Advanced degree in microbiology, immunology, biology, biochemistry or a related field is required; PhD preferred

• 5 years diagnostic and/or molecular or immunology research laboratory experience preferred

• At least 5 years of experience on assay development, validation and transition to a clinical environment

• Expertise and experience in biochemistry, molecular biology/genomics, or immunology assay development, verifiable through patents, publication or description of completed projects

• Strong leadership and management skills

• Demonstrated proven experience in managing complex projects, ability to succeed even with challenging projects, appreciation of priorities and critical factors.

• Substantial technical writing: protocols, study reports, regulatory communications and manuscripts

• An innovative and prepared mind to identify and protect unique intellectual properties is a bonus

• Commitment to and track record of high quality of work

• Experience with quality systems

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other groups

• Goal oriented, with excellent time management and organizational skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills, with ability to interact effectively and work efficiently with people at all levels in an organization

• Excellent verbal & written communication skills

• Keenly attentive to detail

• Ability to keep sensitive information confidential

• High level of proficiency with PC based software programs

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.Viracor Eurofins is committed to promoting an equal employment opportunity workplace environment and is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the Company that all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship, pregnancy, genetic information (GINA), disability, military and/or veteran status, and/or any other status protected by applicable Federal, state, or local law. The Company’s policy is to recruit, hire, train, promote and administer all employment-related matters on the basis of an individual's qualifications, abilities and efforts without regard to protected status.

Physical dexterity sufficient to use hands, arms, and shoulders repetitively to operate a keyboard and other office equipment, use a telephone, access file cabinets and other items stored at various levels, including overhead

Ability to speak and hear well enough to communicate clearly and understandably with sufficient volume to ensure an accurate exchange of information in normal conversational distance, over the telephone, and in a group setting

Ability to continuously operate a personal computer for extended periods of time (4 or more hours)

Mental acuity sufficient to collect and interpret data, evaluate, reason, define problems, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, make valid judgments and decisions

The essential physical and mental requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

As a Eurofins employee, you will become part of a company that has received national recognition as a great place to work. We offer excellent full-time benefits including comprehensive medical coverage, life and disability insurance, 401(k) with company match, paid holidays and vacation, personal days, and dental and vision options.