Position Summary: 

The Research Associate will focus on tissue image-mIF/IHC projects with an emphasis on performing assays and working with Scientists and relevant personnel on assay design and development, validation, and clinical sample processing in a timely manner. The Research Associate will need to have a broad skill set and good troubleshooting skills within the laboratory setting.   The Research Associate will perform assays and/or analyses according to SOPs and support development of new procedures and improvement of existing SOPs, and will work together with assigned laboratory staff to ensure efficient organization, quality, development and execution of project(s). Duties also include recording and reporting results, preparation of samples and reagents, and maintenance of equipment as applicable.

Essential functions of the job include but are not limited to:

Demonstrate independent thought and success in technical proficiency in more than one area, pay attention to detail, and collaborate with others. Independently plan and conduct drug treatment with cell lines, mIF/IHC staining on tissue or multiplex staining as needed. Support the development and implementation of protein scientific services to fulfill the Translational Research needs of Precision customers. Plan and conduct assays, perform or calibrate instrument Lecia Bondrx and Akoya Vectra Polaris, Phenocycler system, GT 450, Apostream, microscope etc. Preform assays or samples with Ficoll process, IF /IHC /ISH/Opal staining Work with Scientists and relevant personnel in the design, performance and analysis of experiments, as applicable. Perform research and development activities to support new product development. Perform assay development, validation or clinical sample processing, as needed. Operate and maintain equipment as needed. Work with managers and team members to develop project timelines and meet milestones. Assist in the training of new and existing laboratory staff in accordance with SOPs. Assist in establishing and improving all procedures and required SOP documentation. Evaluate opportunities for revision of SOPs and make necessary recommendations to improve efficiency and quality. Perform QC analyses to ensure that results meet specifications. Monitor assays and troubleshoot, as appropriate. Maintain and support safe lab practices and environment Assist with writing, reviewing and editing reports, as appropriate Other duties as assigned Escalate risks/issues in a timely manner using all established operating mechanisms available to seek guidance for mitigation. Participates in the review of new projects at late stages of contract execution. Ensure thorough review of work-scopes with accountability for assigned functional lead(s). Provide comments, as appropriate, on the feasibility, resource requirements, technical details, work-scope, and work-order clarity for projects. Provide SOP and Policy Oversight. Support functional lead in establishing and maintaining an annual cycle to review existing SOPs for currency. Monitor to ensure that SOPs and policies are followed by all team members working within their functional area. Lead training of both existing and new team members.

Qualifications:

Minimum Required:

Bachelor’s degree in science, Biology or related field with 1+ years of relevant lab experience OR Equivalent combination of education and academic or industrial laboratory experience

Other Required:

Ability to do data analysis using Halo or Inform or other software Solid understanding for assay development and trouble shooting Good communication and client interface skill, able to present scientific results Ability to prioritize tasks and function in a team-oriented environment Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills required Must possess strong computational skills, preferably experienced with Word, Excel, Power Point, GraphPad and Prism Excellent use of judgment and discretion required Extended work hours may be occasionally necessary in order to meet business demands Ability to lift and carry between 1-15 lbs.; Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. overhead with assistance; frequently required to sit, grasp, and use right/left finger dexterity; May be exposed to a cold freezer environment (Freezer temperatures range between -20ºC -196ºC) Must be able to read, write, speak fluently and comprehend the English language

Preferred:

Master’s in Cellular/Cancer Biology, Immunology or related fields Strong assay development and troubleshooting Perform tissue mIF and IHC staining regularly A solid understanding of current GLP and/or ISO/CAP/CLIA standards Use of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) or BSI