Research Scientist

Company Description

With over 30 years of specialized expertise in infectious disease, immunology and allergy testing for immunocompromised and critical patients, Viracor Eurofins is committed to helping medical professionals, transplant teams and reference labs get results faster, when it matters most. Viracor is passionate about delivering value to our clients by providing timely, actionable information — never losing sight of the connection between the testing we perform and the patients you serve. 

Job Description

Basic Function and Scope of Responsibility: 

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.

Essential Job Duties:

Level I – Minimum

• 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

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

• 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

Qualifications

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

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 carefu