Science Associate I

Summary

A worldwide provider of biological and in vitro products to pharmaceutical and biotechnology organizations. We specialize in control and disease state matrices manufactured from human and animal blood, plasma, and serum, which are used in drug discovery, compound development, clinical and research diagnostics. Our products enable scientists and biomedical researchers to better understand the pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism of newly discovered compounds and the effect on disease processes.

This full-time position requires basic knowledge of products and services. Understanding of OSHA/MiOSHA Universal Precautions’ specimen processing and handling requirements, Hazardous Waste storage and disposal requirements, and ‘Good Laboratory Practices’ is required.

The Science Associate I is responsible for the quality control assessment of biomaterial and inventory storage. The Science Associate will be required to skillfully dissect frozen tissue specimens for molecular biology analysis for both standard and custom processing requests according to standard operating procedures. The SA I will assist the Molecular Science department with inventory management, customer order and batch prep of samples slated for quality control. Ability to perform basic RNA/DNA extractions and proper pipetting techniques is a must. This position demands a flexible, self-motivated individual who thrives in a fast paced, high throughput environment. Job tasks will often require extended periods of time working under cold temperatures.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as required to meet our on-going needs.

• Retrieve and ass ess Frozen specimens
• Prepare samples and material for work orders and quality processing
• Work within biological specimen inventory software to manage samples
• Location Management of Biofluid inventory
• Production Aliquoting of Biofluids
• Custom Aliquoting and Processing Requests
• Adhere to all OSHA/ MiOSHA specimen processing and handling requirements
• Facilitate biohazard and chemical waste disposal
• General laboratory and equipment maintenance such as cleaning glassware, temperature monitoring, sweeping
• Maintain adequate reagents stock, etc.
• Cross-train within adjacent departments
• Proper handling and quality control of biomaterials according to Standard Operating Procedures
• Data entry, record keeping and reporting
• Assist with Frozen and FFPE inventory audits and specimen destruction
  
  

Secondary Functions

• Efficiently processing standard and custom order requests
• Dissect of frozen tissue specimens according to Standard Operating Procedures
• Isolation of RNA/DNA and protein lysates for quality control analysis
• Sample quantification using spectrophotometer
• Effectively interact with internal and external customers regarding order requests
• Aliquot and/or weighing of biomaterials
• Laboratory projects as assigned
• Other duties as assigned
  
  

TELECOMMUTING REQUIREMENTS (if applicable): Not Applicable.

TRAVEL: Not Applicable

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education And/or Experience

• B.S. in Science (Biology or related field) or equivalent work experience
• Basic knowledge of laboratory and aseptic techniques
• Intermediate understanding of MS office, including Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
  
  

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Required

• None required.
  
  

Other Skills And Abilities

• Strong technical background and technical understanding, laboratory and/or medical experience a plus.
• Excellent attention to detail, strong communication skills - both written and verbal
• Time management skills with the ability to effectively manage and prioritize workload.
• Ability to build strong relationships with both customers and internal teams.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving and organizational skills
• Effective record-keeping and problem-solving skills
• Organized and methodical with great attention to detail
  
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to: stand; walk, sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, speak, hear/listen, smell, display manual dexterity, reach with hand and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

• Regular exposure to cold temperatures ( i.e. Dry ice, LN vapor phase freezers, etc.)
• Must be able to lift 60 pounds
• Must be able to work in a standing position for a maximum of 60 minutes
• Repetitive tasks
  
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Administrative – While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be working in professional office environment using standard office equipment. This position regularly requires large amounts of time to be spent using and viewing computer screens and equipment, which generally entails regular and repetitive motions.
• Laboratory and Facilities- While performing the duties of this job the employee will be working in a laboratory and biorepository facility that require the proper use of personal protective equipment . Use computer equipment while accessioning
• Contact with dry ice for extended periods of time.
• Willingness to work additional hours outside of the normal work shift to ensure departmental goals are met (evenings and weekends)
• Contact with human biological specimens and sharps daily
• Corporate Health and Safety Program with Immunizations offered
  
  

A full-time Monday through Friday workweek with general business hours and flexibility to occasionally work additional hours as needed and approved by management.

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws. All job requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis, unless otherwise contractually bound.