QC Cell Culture Scientist (Biologist)

Avantor•Carpinteria, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The QC Cell Culture Scientist (Biologist) provides technical expertise in cell culture, biocompatibility, and in vitro cytotoxicity testing for silicone materials and their medical device applications. This role independently executes and troubleshoots in vitro methods including cell culture and assay, extraction procedures, and cytotoxicity analysis, in addition to general lab bench techniques.

Requirements

AS in Biological Sciences or related program required.
3+ years of cell culturing and assay experience if AS obtained.
1+ year of cell culturing and assay experience if BS obtained.
Experience working in analytical, biological, biotechnology, biomedical, toxicology, microbiology, or related laboratory environments.
Experience with mammalian cell culture techniques, including cell maintenance, passaging, monitoring, contamination control, and general aseptic laboratory practices.
Experience performing laboratory sample preparation, solution preparation, filtration, and other laboratory support activities.
Experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting laboratory equipment and instrumentation in accordance with established procedures.
Experience with microscopy, cell-based testing, biological evaluation, microbiological testing, or related laboratory techniques.
Experience supporting media preparation, laboratory housekeeping, sterilization, autoclaving, and maintenance of laboratory work areas.
Experience working with biohazardous materials and following applicable laboratory safety, biosafety, and PPE requirements.
Experience with data analysis, technical reporting, statistical evaluation, and interpretation of laboratory results.
Shall be comfortable working with biohazardous materials with the ability to follow all associated safety procedures.
Computer Skills (Teams, Word, Excel, Outlook).
Science-based intermediate math and statistics.
Good communication skills.
Time-management skills.
Critical thinking.
Attention to detail.
Team-player: ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Ability to read, understand, and follow procedures.
Able to work independently and set own priorities to reliably achieve deadlines.
Knowledge of Good Documentation Practices (GDP).

Nice To Haves

BS in Biological Sciences or related program preferred.
Experience performing biological, biochemical, or cell-based assays preferred.
Experience with polymers, elastomers, silicones, or related materials preferred.
Experience providing technical training, mentoring, and support to laboratory personnel preferred.
Experience with technical writing, laboratory procedures, test methods, protocols, or reports preferred.
Knowledge of silicone chemistry (preferred).
Practical application of internal software like Product Lifecycle Management software (Oracle Agile PLM) and ERP (SAP) preferred.

Responsibilities

Manages biological testing activities and the lifecycle of experimental samples from receipt through final disposition, ensuring timely execution, data integrity, and compliance with established procedures.
Provides technical subject matter expertise in biological testing and biocompatibility evaluation through participation on cross-functional project teams.
Supports product development, qualifications, validations, investigations, complaints, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Leads testing activities and technical deliverables for projects with timelines less than one year while effectively managing priorities and laboratory resources.
Independently performs complex cytotoxicity and biological testing on raw materials, in-process samples, developmental materials, and final products.
Analyzes data, interprets results, prepares technical reports, and maintains documentation in accordance with established quality and laboratory procedures.
Independently performs cell culture activities and biological assays, including maintenance of mammalian cell cultures and evaluation of cellular responses.
Performs biological evaluations, morphology assessments, extraction procedures, and other laboratory activities in support of product development, quality investigations, customer requests, and regulatory requirements.
Investigates and troubleshoots unexpected results from complex laboratory analyses and recommends appropriate corrective actions.
Provides technical expertise and testing support for validations, nonconformances, complaints, investigations, process improvements, and development projects.
Reviews technical work for accuracy, compliance, and adherence to established procedures and quality requirements.
Provides training and technical guidance to laboratory personnel and supports internal and external audits.
Identifies opportunities to improve laboratory methods, processes, efficiency, and testing capabilities through continuous improvement initiatives.
Works closely with Quality, Manufacturing, R&D, Regulatory Affairs, and other cross-functional teams to provide scientific support and technical consultation.
Ensures compliance with company quality standards, laboratory procedures, safety requirements, and applicable regulations.
Performs other duties as assigned.