Research Associate I (R&D)

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 CDx’s purpose of understanding disease by supporting the research and development of new precision diagnostic products. Support includes performing routine and non-routine applications of cellular/molecular biology technology to quantify and manipulate genetic material.

• 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).
• Organize 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 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.
• Execute experiments and tasks as assigned according to timelines and ensure documentation meets GLP/GMP requirements.
• Help validate new equipment, as needed, including executing validation protocols.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry or Molecular Biology or a related field.
• Experience conducting independent work in a laboratory. 
• Experience with molecular biology-related activities.
• Experience with cell culture and sterile technique is preferred.
• Committed to maintaining research and product integrity.
• Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Perform preliminary data interpretation/analysis. Follow SOPs.

Additional Information

What we offer (US based-employees):

• Competitive compensation with strong bonus program
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits for employees and dependents
• FSA/HSA Pre-tax savings plans for health care, childcare, and elder care
• Deductible Buffer Insurance and Critical Illness Insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with matching employer contribution
• Company-paid short- and long- term disability, life insurance, and employee assistance program
• Flexible work options
• Pet Insurance for our furry friends
• Enhanced Parental leave of 8 additional weeks
• PTO that begins immediately
• Town Hall monthly meeting onsite/virtual, Cheer program where employees are recognized for outstanding work, Company wide social events, frequent catered lunches and much more!

LGC strongly believes that every job applicant and employee should be valued for their individual talents regardless of age, disability, race, color, ethnic or national origin