Research Associate I

The Research Associate I (RA I) work to meet deadlines in a dynamic environment and has the temperament to operate proactively and collaboratively in a team in support of research and development activities. Tasks will focus on molecular and microbiological experiments and procedures (e.g., nucleic acid extraction, serial dilution, PCR, bacterial and fungal culture, etc.) with associated collection, analysis, verification and recording of data in accordance with established protocols and work instruction documents, regulations, safety requirements, and the quality system. Work is primarily collaborative and requires the ability to communicate and coordinate with peers and supervisor(s) effectively and respectfully. 

The position requires basic laboratory technical skills, organizational skills, attention to detail, critical thinking, troubleshooting and problem-solving, and a dedication to the mission and goals of the department and bioMérieux. A Research Associate I may receive general or detailed instruction and direct supervision on general work, new procedures, and assignments.  

Essential Duties Include: 

1. Assists with stocking project-specific laboratory supplies, including inventorying stock.
2. Act as a good lab citizen and team member. Coordinate and collaborate within and across teams and functional groups for routine lab activities, cleaning, equipment use, specific assigned tasks and projects, and sharing of knowledge, skills, and ideas.
3. Work in a Biosafety level 2/2 environment with potentially pathogenic microbes, patient samples, and body fluids using sterile technique for contamination and infection control.
4. Ensure data integrity and accurate record-keeping by collecting, recording (in an electronic laboratory notebook and/or study worksheets), analyzing and verifying data in compliance with company standard operating procedures, work instruction documents, and study protocols.
5. Use and maintain laboratory equipment, supplies/inventory, and workspaces according to operational, quality, and safety requirements as outlined in protocols, standard operating procedures, and work instruction documents.
6. Perform routine calculations and laboratory techniques including solution formulation, microbial culture and enumeration, nucleic acid extraction and quantification, real-time and/or digital PCR, as well as basic statistical analyses.
7. Execute study protocols and contribute to protocol and process development, optimization, and/or revision.
8. Conduct routine data analysis under supervision.
9. Communicate data and analyses in written reports and oral presentations to peers and supervisors, commensurate with job level.
10. Contribute to the writing of study reports.
11. Perform all work in compliance with bioMérieux corporate policies and within the guidelines of the Quality Management System.
12. Performs work under direct supervision.
13. Handles basic issues and problems and refers more complex issues to higher-level staff.
14. Works full time onsite.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in related field
• A minimum of six months’ experience in an academic, industry, or healthcare laboratory.
• Must have coding experience: i.e., R; Python 

Knowledge Skills & Abilities 

• Has beginning to working knowledge of current and evolving microbiology and molecular biology principles, tools, and techniques relevant to developing diagnostic tests for infectious diseases.
• Detail-oriented in executing work and in record keeping.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Basic competence in laboratory practices including pipetting, handling biological and chemical materials, sterile technique and contamination control, and basic concentration and statistical calculations.
• Basic competence with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word).
• Comfortable working in a dynamic environment where priorities sometimes change on short notice.
• Comfortable working with human specimens and fluids (blood, stool, sputum, etc.).
• Comfortable working with biosafety level 2 pathogens.
• Aptitude for critical thinking and problem-solving.
• Ability to follow rules and regulations.

Additional Information:

• Must be able to lift and safely maneuver 40 lbs.
• Manual and visual dexterity to handle small tubes and manipulate very small volumes; reasonable accommodations are applicable.
• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment, including a lab coat, disposable gloves, face mask, and safety glasses, as needed.
• Comfortable working with cleaning products such as bleach.