Associate Scientist - Cell Bank

Avantor•Spring House, PA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Scientist is the central owner of the Oncology Discovery cell bank in Spring House and its supporting data, quality, and compliance processes. Reporting to the Onsite Supervisor, the role works closely with Avantor’s Advanced Laboratory Services professionals and research teams to provide timely access to authenticated, contamination-free, traceable, and legally cleared cell lines. The position maintains accurate inventories, standardized workflows, and coordination across internal functions and external partners. The role manages cell line intake, storage, replenishment, and capacity; maintains digital records and supporting documentation; and supports data systems, templates, request forms, work instructions, training materials, and data standards. It owns routine mycoplasma testing, coordinates cell line authentication, investigates discrepancies and contamination, and maintains licensing documentation. The position also supports compliant cell line ordering, receipt, and shipment, advises research teams on workflows, provides training and troubleshooting, and improves operational practices and data quality.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in biological sciences, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline.
Relevant laboratory or research-operations experience.
Practical knowledge of cell line handling and quality control.
Practical knowledge of biological inventory and data systems.
Practical knowledge of documentation requirements for provenance, licensing, purchasing, and compliant material sharing.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple time-sensitive requests across teams.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly convey scientific, operational, and compliance information to diverse audiences.
Ability to build strong working relationships and collaborate across scientific, legal, operational, and external partner networks.
Scientific rigor and data integrity.
Operational ownership and accountability.
Quality and compliance mindset.
Stakeholder management and service orientation.
Structured problem-solving and continuous improvement.
Prioritization, planning, and reliable follow-through.
Clear documentation and knowledge sharing.

Responsibilities

Serve as the central point of contact for cell bank access and daily cryogenic operations.
Coordinate cell line intake, storage, replenishment, and capacity management.
Maintain accurate digital records for vial locations, stock levels, batches, reservations, provenance, biological characteristics, culture information, modifications, and supporting documentation.
Register and link parental and engineered cell lines; support data migrations and system transitions.
Maintain templates, request forms, work instructions, training materials, and data standards.
Resolve inventory, system, and data-quality issues with researchers and other stakeholders while preserving material traceability.
Own routine mycoplasma testing and coordinate cell line authentication.
Investigate contamination, misidentification, or discrepant results and take corrective action as needed.
Maintain current cell line licensing records and address documentation gaps and upcoming expirations with Legal, RAP, Procurement, and other partners.
Support compliant ordering, receipt, and shipment of cell lines by verifying availability, approvals, stock, and required documentation.
Coordinate cell line logistics with Biobank, logistics providers, Trade Compliance, Procurement, and receiving sites.
Partner with Oncology Discovery teams to prioritize cell line needs and advise on registration, banking, testing, ordering, and shipment workflows.
Provide subject-matter guidance, troubleshooting, and training.
Coordinate with internal services, other sites, external banks, laboratories, vendors, and logistics partners.
Improve workflows, data quality, user adoption, and operational resilience by addressing recurring issues and standardizing practices.