Associate Scientist

Job Title: Associate Scientist – Microscopy & Spectroscopy Lab (MSL)

Location: 100% Onsite – Summit - West, New Jersey, USA

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, First Shift

Summary

A leading biotech/pharmaceutical manufacturing site is seeking a highly skilled Associate Scientist to join their Microscopy and Spectroscopy Lab (MSL) within the Manufacturing Sciences and Technology (MS&T) group. This role is focused on conducting microanalytical investigations and supporting the characterization of materials, unknown components, and foreign matter across various stages of cell therapy manufacturing processes. The position also involves analysis of defective materials such as single-use systems, filters, tubing, and polymeric fittings.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct microanalytical investigations related to physical and chemical characterization of materials in cell therapy processes.
• Characterize unknown substances, foreign matter, and analyze reagents, starting materials, intermediates, and drug products.
• Utilize a wide range of analytical techniques:
• Microscopy and spectroscopy: FT-IR, Raman, UV-Vis, NIR, SEM/EDX, confocal Raman, particle sizing, and wet chemistry.
• Support assessments of defective materials including filters, bioprocess containers, tubing, and fittings.
• Generate detailed, data-driven technical reports for analytical investigations and improvements.
• Perform daily lab support tasks: managing supplies, distributing analysis requests, and coordinating with EHS and Facilities.
• Provide timely troubleshooting and technical support for manufacturing-related analytical problems.
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science (required); Master’s degree (preferred) or related scientific field.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in analytical or pharmaceutical chemistry.
• Strong hands-on experience with:
• FTIR, SEM/EDX, and Microscopes
• (Please be prepared to specify make & model of instruments used)
• Prior experience working in a pharmaceutical or biotech environment.
• Familiarity with GMP/cGMP regulations and investigation processes involving particulate or foreign matter.
• Proficiency in scientific software for spectral data analysis and common productivity tools (MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Ability to work independently with a high level of initiative.
  

Nice To Have

• Experience with Raman, Mid-IR, or Mass Spectrometry for protein analysis.
• Understanding of protein and cell chemistry related to structure and function.
• Bench-level forensic or analytical investigational work in a lab setting.
  
  

Skills: raman,microscopy,characterization,data,scientific software,ms office (word, powerpoint, excel),materials,confocal raman,wet chemistry,cell therapy,nir,particle sizing,ft-ir,uv-vis,spectroscopy,manufacturing,analytical techniques,sem/edx,edx,chemistry