LifeSciences Research Associate

LIFESCIENCES RESEARCH ASSOCIATE    

Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia (on-site)    

Department: Life Sciences    

Job Type: Full-Time    

Shift: Monday- Friday, 8-hour days, overtime as needed, on call as needed    

Clinical Classification: Clinical    

LifeNet Health is searching for talented individuals who will embrace our mission of saving lives, restoring health, and giving hope.     

LifeNet Health, headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is the largest nonprofit organ procurement organization (“OPO”) and tissue processor in the United States, as well as a leading innovator in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Our goal is to improve the quality of human life through the provision of organs, tissues, and cells for transplantation; to provide innovation in the fields of bio-implants, regenerative medicine and research; and, to serve the community with educational and support services that enhance the donation process.  LifeNet Health has over 1200 employees and has a growing global presence.    

How you will contribute to LifeNet Health’s success:    

The LifeSciences Research Associate participates in the planning, executing, documenting, analyzing, and reporting of research and validation efforts within our Life Sciences Division. This role assists in the development and performance of new assays, test methods, and protocols pertaining to research objectives and analytical problem solving. Provides training on new or revised test methods, assays, processing procedures, and equipment/instrument operations.    

What you’ll do:    

• Experimental Procedures: Conducts experiments independently to support new products and technology development, including associated process/equipment development and optimization in compliance with LifeNet policy, LifeNet procedures, and Good Laboratory Practices. Develops protocols and experimental designs with minimal supervision required to support assigned research, including cell culture responsibilities, as well as product development, manufacturing, and validation initiatives. Assists troubleshooting activities for ongoing projects and experimental procedures including graft production and assays.
• Data Handling and Interpretation: Makes detailed observations, documents, and analyzes data, interprets results, and summarizes collected data into effective technical reports under minimal supervision. Assists in analytical problem solving to overcome obstacles related to research activities and departmental processes. Assists in preparation of client reports or manuscripts.
• Assays/Protocol: This role assists in the development of new assays, test methods, and protocols pertaining to research objectives as needed. Writes and modifies test method SOPs and test method validation protocols and reports as needed. Performs/participates on GLP studies.
• Training: Supports establishment of essential training requirements related to processes and equipment and provides effective training of staff on the operation of equipment and tools with high complexity including knowledge of the underlying scientific principles. Mentors technicians and interns.
• Research: Conducts appropriate literature reviews when necessary to begin or support research projects and reports. Provides timely and effective communication (written and oral) of procedures, observations, and results. Reports status updates, technical status updates, and other work-related activities within workgroups and across the organization.

What you’ll bring (Minimum Requirements):    

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences or a related field.
• Three (3) years of related work experience in Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Life Sciences, or a related field.

Preferred Experience/Skills/Certifications:    

• Master’s degree in Life Sciences or a related field.

These would be nice too (Knowledge Skills and Abilities):    

• Laboratory Skills: Proficiency in Laboratory Skills related to the role such as standard assay methods, cell culture procedures. Ability to follow experimental designs and protocols. Ability to operate key laboratory equipment independently (i.e. Plate Readers, PCR thermocycler).
• Attention to Detail: Ability to perform tasks thoroughly and with care; checks work to ensure high degree of accuracy/completeness and early/on-time delivery.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office: Proficiency in PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook, and Microsoft Suite.
• Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate and build relationships with all professionals at different levels within the organization.
• Time Management: Ability to prioritize multiple, competing priorities and manage time/workload. Demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize and juggle multiple time sensitive projects, multi-task, identify project interdependencies and potential risks/pitfalls.
• Scientific Knowledge: A knowledge of anatomy, bioengineering and/or cellular biology. Basic understanding of chemistry to include chemical interactions and being able to use mathematic formulas to make different concentrations of chemicals.

Why work at LifeNet Health?    

We have a fierce drive for our mission of Saving Lives, Restoring Health, and Giving Hope. You will not find another company with a culture as strong as ours.    

• 403(b) and Profit Sharing Plan
• Affordable medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Corporate sponsored events for employees
• Work-life balance with generous paid time off to include vacation time, sick time, and paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Personal career, skill, and leadership development opportunities
• Wellness Program (gym reimbursement, monthly wellness webinars, mental health toolkit, financial resources, and much more)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and members of their household
• Dedicated and passionate co-workers

The pay rate for the successful candidate will depend on geographic location and the candidate’s qualifications and prior relevant experience.  The pay range for this position is $24.16 hourly (entry- level qualifications) to $32.21 hourly (experienced in this role). *    

*Actual compensation may be higher based on the successful candidate's knowledge and relevant experience.    

This position is eligible for an annual bonus once eligibility criteria are met.      

All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and LifeNet Health reserves the right to modify or change these benefits programs at any time, with or without notice, unless otherwise required by law.  Further, nothing in this posting is intended to alter the “at will” relationship of a successful candidate and this posting does not constitute a specific promise.