Manufacturing Research Associate II

Company Description

LGC Clinical Diagnostics Business Unit is comprised of our operating entities including LGC Clinical Diagnostics, Inc. (f/k/a Maine Standards Company & SeraCare Life Sciences), Technopath Clinical Diagnostics, and the Native Antigen Company. Our 400+ employees operate FDA-registered and ISO 13485-accredited facilities in Maine (USA), Massachusetts (USA), Maryland (USA), Tipperary (Ireland), and an ISO 9001-accredited facility in Oxford, UK. LGC Clinical Diagnostics is owned by LGC Group, a UK-headquartered life sciences measurement and testing business with >$510m of annual revenue and >3,500 employees globally.

SeraCare Life Sciences, Gaithersburg Inc. is a manufacturer and leading partner to global in vitro diagnostics manufacturers and clinical laboratories. They provide quality control materials for infectious disease testing through their ACCURUN® reagents as well as in the fast growing clinical next-generation sequencing (NGS) market, which it addresses through its Seraseq® brand of products for oncology, NIPT and inherited disease testing.

Job Description

The Research Associate  II position will advance the LGC Clinical Diagnostics Division's purpose of understanding disease by supporting the manufacture of precision diagnostic products. As an associate II, it is expected to assume a more advanced knowledge and skills, building upon the foundational responsibilities of a Manufacturing Research  Associate I and/or education. Support includes independently performing routine and non-routine applications of cellular/molecular genetic technology to quantitate and manipulate genetic material, all under Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)/ Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the following essential functions satisfactorily. 

Key Responsibilities: Perform general molecular techniques such as nucleic acid purification, gel-electrophoresis, RNA transcription, cell culture, and bacterial culture.

• Perform nucleic acid analysis (RNA/DNA integrity analysis, real time qPCR, digital PCR) and analyze results.
• Culture cells using aseptic techniques. Introduce nucleic acids into cultured cells.
• Organize projects and data using Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and a document control system (EtQ).
• Work with supervisor to plan and execute experiments and tasks as assigned according to the timelines and ensure documentation meets GLP/GMP requirements.
• Record test results and data records, seek appropriate approval and file according to established procedures.
• Maintain, calibrate, and operate equipment according to established protocols. Monitor equipment for appropriate operation within set parameters and refer abnormal results to lab management.
• Plan for raw material requirements by maintaining appropriate inventory of reagents and ordering reagents as needed through an ERP system (SAP).
• Maintain a clean and safe lab environment.  
• Other projects and duties as assigned by management.
• Travel Requirements: None
• Schedule/Core Hours: Standard business hours are 8:30 AM - 5 PM Monday through Friday, however there is flexibility for adjustment outside of these hours.
• Adherence to company Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) policy

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field with at least 2 years of relevant experience is required.  Master’s degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology is preferred.
• Experience in Molecular Biology techniques such as DNA/RNA Purification and quantitation, PCR (Endpoint or Real time PCR), DNA/RNA electrophoresis.
• First-hand experience with aseptic techniques.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Experience conducting independent research in a laboratory setting is preferred. 
• Experience with cell culture and sterile technique is preferred.

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
• Great gym onsite!
• 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, Compa