Biotechnology company is hiring an Associate Scientist with knowledge of molecular biology to join the Research, Development and Discovery team. You will develop, characterize, and validate optogenetic gene therapy vectors and assist with IND-enabling studies. This is a 6 month contract with an opportunity for an extension.

Responsibilities

• Support the execution of assays for discovery and translational research. Assay read-outs include ELISA, qPCR, FACS, SDS-PAGE, agarose gels and Western blot.
• Produce, purify, and characterize complex biological molecules like DNA, RNA, protein, and AAV.
• Maintenance, transfection and transduction of different cell types.
• Perform sample processing from a variety of tissue types.
• Order and maintain sufficient inventory of materials and reagents for planned laboratory activities.
• Follow established protocols and SOPs.
• Ensure accurate laboratory records and project updates.
• Participate in team meetings and present technical data.
• Must be comfortable in a fast-paced, small company environment.
• Be involved with development, qualification, and transfer of bioanalytical methods to support preclinical and clinical assays
• Present results, conclusions, and implications to project teams.
• Maintain excellent documentation of laboratory activities.
• Perform routine lab maintenance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree with 6-8 years of experience in biotechnology industry
• Expertise in a variety of laboratory techniques such as recombinant DNA technology, including cloning, DNA/RNA isolation and analysis, PCR, RT-PCR, qPCR is required.
• Expertise in sterile tissue culture techniques including, transfection, transduction, developing and maintaining cell lines is a must.
• Biochemical techniques including, western blot, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, ELISA are highly desired.
• Hands-on experience with the execution of bioassays using technologies including qPCR, ddPCR, MSD, Luminex, flow cytometry and cell-based potency assays are advantageous.
• Experience with sample processing methods to support protein and nucleic acid detection from a variety of animal/human tissues.
• Experience with other gene expression and protein detection analytical methods.
• Experience with data analysis software like Prism, FlowJo, ImageJ and SoftMax Pro are a plus.
• Background and understanding of AAV biology is preferable; AAV production experience is advantageous.

Pay Rate:

• $45.00-$50.00/hr

Why Choose R&D Partners?

As an employee, you have access to a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical insurance – PPO, HMO & HSA
• Dental & Vision insurance
• 401k plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Long-term disability
• Weekly payroll
• Expense reimbursement
• Online timecard approval

R&D Partners is a global functional service provider and strategic staffing resource specializing in scientific, clinical research & engineering. We provide job opportunities within major pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies.

R&D Partners is an equal-opportunity employer.