Biocenter Scientist, DNA Lab Project Leader

AstraZeneca•Gaithersburg, MD

2d•$142,378 - $213,566•Onsite

About The Position

The Biocenter Scientist – DNA Laboratory Project Lead provides hands-on scientific and operational support for the receipt, processing, DNA extraction, quality assessment, storage, and distribution of human biological samples (HBS) and derived DNA. The role supports on-site Biocenter and Biobank laboratory operations in a high-throughput environment handling tens of thousands of samples annually. It ensures safe, consistent execution of approved manual and automated methods and maintains sample and data traceability through LIMS and related systems. The position supports laboratory equipment, digital systems, methods, and process improvements, as well as training and collaboration with internal stakeholders and external vendors. It contributes to automation, workflow and capacity planning, and evidence-based business cases for new laboratory capabilities, while delivering high-quality, traceable DNA samples and data for research and development. Work is performed in accordance with applicable biosafety, quality, regulatory, consent, privacy, data-integrity, and biospecimen-governance requirements.

Requirements

Master’s degree in molecular biology or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
At least five years of experience in a laboratory setting.
Extensive knowledge of scientific experimentation, emerging scientific and technology trends, and continuous improvement.
Hands-on experience in DNA extraction, quantification, quality assessment, aliquoting, and storage.
Experience handling human biological samples in a regulated or quality-controlled environment.
Knowledge of molecular biology, biosafety, contamination control, and good documentation practices.
Ability to follow controlled procedures, maintain accurate records, and resolve or escalate laboratory issues.
Experience with LIMS, sample inventory systems, electronic records, and large sample datasets.
Proficiency in DNA quality-control testing using Agilent TapeStation or comparable electrophoretic methods, Qubit or comparable fluorometric methods, and NanoDrop or comparable spectrophotometric methods.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a delivery-focused environment.
Ability to manage and review large sample and analytical datasets, reconcile discrepancies, and maintain data integrity.
Strong knowledge of blood-borne pathogen controls and contamination prevention.
Clear written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively across scientific and operational teams.

Nice To Haves

Experience with high-throughput DNA extraction, biobanking, or large-scale sample operations.
Experience with DNA analysis platforms such as spectrophotometric, fluorometric, electrophoretic, or PCR-based methods.
Knowledge of GxP principles, ISO-aligned quality systems, CAP/CLIA environments, or equivalent regulated laboratory standards, as applicable.
Experience supporting method validation or verification, equipment qualification, laboratory investigations, and controlled change.
Knowledge of human sample consent, privacy, data integrity, and biospecimen governance requirements.
Experience applying Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous-improvement approaches.
Experience developing or contributing to business cases for laboratory equipment, automation, digital capability, or process investments.
Experience integrating automated laboratory equipment, barcoding, analytical outputs, or sample workflows with LIMS or wider laboratory informatics infrastructure.
Experience supporting vendor selection, user-requirement definition, acceptance testing, preventive maintenance, and equipment lifecycle management.

Responsibilities

Perform on-site Biocenter and Biobank laboratory operations in a high-throughput environment handling tens of thousands of samples annually.
Receive, register, process, and reconcile human biological samples using approved biosafety and traceability practices.
Extract, assess, normalize, aliquot, store, and distribute DNA using approved manual and automated methods.
Maintain sample identity, chain of custody, data integrity, and complete records in LIMS and related systems.
Operate, maintain, qualify, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and automated platforms.
Monitor workflow capacity, reagents, controls, consumables, and priorities to meet agreed delivery priorities.
Follow SOPs and biosafety, GCP, consent, privacy, data-integrity, and biospecimen-governance requirements.
Document and support deviations, investigations, corrective actions, controlled changes, audits, and continuity activities.
Partner with IT, automation, engineering, and digital teams to integrate equipment and laboratory systems.
Improve methods, workflows, automation, quality, capacity, turnaround time, and cost.
Deliver training, competency assessment, and procedural documentation.
Develop evidence-based business cases for laboratory equipment, automation, digital capabilities, and capability or process investments, including user requirements, benefits, risks, capacity impact, and cost considerations.
Collaborate with global teams, quality functions, stakeholders, and vendors to resolve issues and drive improvement.