Research Associate - VSC
Position Summary
We are seeking a Research Associate to join our Validation Systems Core (VSC) team within our Product Development organization.
The VSC serves as a centralized resource for innovation in the culture, treatment, lysis, and storage of cell lines. The Research Associate is responsible for providing well-characterized, high quality cells and lysates to the organization to support Product Development efforts focused primarily on affinity research reagents such as primary antibodies, in addition to other product types such as assay kits, conjugates, and ELISA pairs. This position is a dynamic role in a fun, fast paced environment. The VSC places emphasis on teamwork so candidates are expected to collaborate and work well with fellow group members.
Responsibilities
- Actively contribute to the team’s goal of maintaining a company-wide cell inventory with 100% in stock rate and no internal backorders
- Enable western and applications testing by providing cells and lysates according to established service level agreements
- Achieve established targets for number of standard cell line and lysate offerings
- Serve as a central entry point for cell lines entering CST
- Establish and maintain an accurate inventory of cell banks for new and existing cell lines, including passage number and origin
- Routinely test the quality of newly prepared and stored lysates
- Ensure that cells are free of mycoplasma and other forms of contamination
- Transfection of over-expression vectors and siRNA in desired cell line(s) upon request
- Set standards for good tissue culture practices including providing proactive, daily care of cell lines
- Conduct periodic cleaning and decontamination of Core Tissue Culture lab(s) and quarterly cleaning of biosafety cabinets
- Understand and follow established protocols for all practices including the culturing of cell lines, lysate preparation, and documentation
- Adopt techniques and technological opportunities that will improve quality, efficiency, or scalability of cell culture
- Maintain accurate and complete hard copy and electronic laboratory documentation in appropriate systems (e.g. notebooks, electronic LIMS, Jira, PDP, PLM, etc.) in accordance with CST quality systems requirements
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a biological science (e.g. molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry or biotechnology)
- Computer experience, including working knowledge of MS Office and Google suites (or related) applications
Preferred Skills/Experience
- 1+ years of post-graduate laboratory experience
- Hands-on cell culture experience
- Experience with laboratory information management systems
- Strong organizational skills
- Attention to detail
- Team-oriented mindset
- Ability to multi-task effectively and manage multiple priorities at one time
- Strong communication skills (verbally and written)
- Basic knowledge of signal transduction cascades