Research Associate I

Company Description

LGC’s Clinical Diagnostics Division develops and manufactures a comprehensive portfolio of catalog and custom-developed diagnostic quality solutions and component materials for the extended life sciences industry. We partner with IVD assay developers, and pharmaceutical, CRO and academic institutions in commercialization activities across the entire diagnostic pipeline - from concept and early stage research, through expedited product development and onwards into routine clinical use. Laboratorians and diagnostic professionals across disciplines of clinical chemistry, immunochemistry, serology, molecular diagnostics and clinical genomics rely on LGC’s products to support accurate and reliable diagnostic results.

Our operating entities include SeraCare Life Sciences and Maine Standards Company, which are in vitro diagnostics (IVD) manufacturers of quality measurement tools (calibrators, controls, linearity, EQA/PT, biological materials) and the Native Antigen Company, which is a manufacturer and supplier of viral antigens. Our 300+ employees operate FDA-registered and ISO 13485-accredited facilities in Maine, Massachusetts and Maryland, USA, and an ISO 9001-accredited facility in Oxford, UK.

Each day, our world-class staff, scientific expertise, operational efficiency and superior quality systems are ready to support the range of advanced technologies that collectively improve patient outcomes - from the widely adopted and established through to cutting-edge NGS and precision diagnostics.

Job Description

The Research Associate's role is to advance LGC Clinical Diagnostics’ purpose of understanding disease by supporting the development of new precision diagnostic products. 

• Help develop reference materials.
• Perform nucleic acid analysis (RNA/DNA integrity analysis, real-time qPCR, digital PCR) and present results in an organized way.
• Perform general molecular techniques such as nucleic acid purification, enzymatic digestion, gel-electrophoresis, RNA transcription, cell culture, transfection, etc., as needed.
• Record test results and data records, seek appropriate approval, and file according to established procedures.
• Plan for raw material requirements by maintaining appropriate inventory of reagents and ordering reagents as needed through an ERP system (SAP).
• Coordinate projects and data using Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and a document control system (EtQ).
•  Maintain accurate records in laboratory notebooks or batch records.
• Maintain a clean and safe lab environment.
• Aid in the transfer of designs to other groups in R&D and manufacturing, training those groups, and writing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and design history records (DHRs).
• Maintain, calibrate, and operate equipment according to established protocols.
• Monitor equipment for appropriate operation within set parameters and refer abnormal results to lab management.
• Complete experiments and tasks as assigned within specified timelines and ensure documentation meets GLP/GMP requirements.
• Assist with validating new equipment, as needed, including completing validation protocols.
• Help train other staff members, where appropriate.
• Adhere to company Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) policy.
• Perform other duties as required, or assigned by management, to meet business needs.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• 1+ year post-grad experience in a lab setting.
• Experience conducting independent work in a laboratory.
• Experience with molecular biology-related activities.
• Proven dedication to maintaining research and product integrity.
• Proficient with Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with cell culture and sterile technique.
• Experience with nucleic acid manipulation, including extractions, agarose gel analysis, concentration measurement, and PCR or equivalent experience.
• Experience conducting independent research in a laboratory. Industry experience is desired but not required.

Proficiencies & Behaviours:

• Strictly adhere to LGC’s core value behaviors: Passion, Curiosity, Integrity, Brilliance, and Respect.
• Critical thinker who can respond quickly to assigned tasks.
• Ability to manage and complete projects as assigned.
• Ability to move from project to project efficiently as priorities change.
• Great teammate willing to contribute to other groups as needed.
• Ability to learn to work independently with minimal supervision as well as to communicate results and provide status upda