What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Chemist : R&D position at Akoya Biosciences?
About Akoya Biosciences, Inc.
As The Spatial Biology Company®, Akoya Biosciences’ mission is to bring context to the world of biology and human health through the power of spatial phenotyping. The company offers comprehensive single-cell imaging solutions that allow researchers to phenotype cells with spatial context and visualize how they organize and interact to influence disease progression and response to therapy. Akoya offers a full continuum of spatial phenotyping solutions to serve the diverse needs of researchers across discovery, translational and clinical research: PhenoCode™ Panels and PhenoCycler®, PhenoImager® Fusion, and PhenoImager HT Instruments.
Job Description Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated staff scientist to join the Akoya Research and Development Team. You will be leading and working in a dynamic, team-oriented environment and take part in the development of multiplex fluorescent immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays and reagents used for oncological and neurological research. You will be a key contributor in a multi-disciplinary team executing scientific research, product development, and small-scale pilot manufacturing. You will assist in leading the company in planning and execution in the research and development of new conjugation methodologies and new detection systems. You should be able to work independently and take initiative in planning, conducting, and reporting on the studies for which you are responsible. This role requires employees to be functional both “at the bench” and in administrative roles. You will have the opportunity to interact with small teams of biologists, chemists, biochemists, image scientists, and engineers in a rapidly moving organization.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Research, development, and small-scale production of reagents to be used by clinical and translational research
- Evaluate and resolve technical issues associated with current and future reagents
- Develop and create workflow procedures for Akoya’s reagents to be used in related platforms
- Design and execute analytical experiments to measure performance and quantitate biological materials during workflow steps
- Perform analysis on fluorescence images and optimize reagent or instrument procedures and/or settings for FFPE tissue samples
- Review external and internal feedback on the reagents and processes and take necessary steps to make necessary adjustments and revisions where necessary. Additionally, communicate with and receive feedback on the plans and changes by key stakeholders
- Professionally present experimental designs and results of research and development projects regularly during tech meetings
- Produce and record documentation for development and manufacturing workflows that follow cGMP and ISO13485 regulations where applicable
- Review scientific literature and summarize relevant information
- Other duties as assigned
Skills & Requirements
- Requires a MS degree with 10 years’ experience, or Ph.D. 5 in conjugation chemistry, analytical/organic chemistry, and peptide/protein chemistry
- Minimum of 5 years in bioconjugation, its purification, and characterization
- Minimum of 5 years of practical experience in protein/nucleotide analytical assays, including analytical and preparatory liquid chromatography, gel electrophoresis, and spectroscopy
- High acumen and practical experience in organic synthetic methodologies with knowledge of organic fluorophore design and synthesis is required
- Additional experience with fluorescence spectroscopy with an understanding of the fundamental properties of fluorescence is recommended
- Strong emphasis on experimental design, problem solving, and scientific principles is required
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a fast-paced team environment, working on multiple projects with evolving priorities and deadlines
- Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills
- Highly organized with attention to details and excellent information management, time management, and laboratory skills
- To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily
- This role is expected to be 100% in-person with minimal travel
The hiring range for this position is $165,000 - $180,000 per year, which may factor in various geographic regions. The base pay offered will consider internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. Our full-time regular positions also include an annual performance-based bonus (or a sales incentive plan) and long-term incentive units (equity) provided as part of our compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.
Akoya’s excellent benefits program includes a selection of Medical and Dental plans, and Life, AD&D and Short-Term Disability insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, 401(k) with immediate Company match vesting, Company paid holidays and more!
Akoya values bringing together individuals with diverse backgrounds. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.
Salary : $165,000 - $180,000
