Research Associate - Analytical Development (Contract)

Atrium Works • Boston, MA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The cell and gene analytical technologies team within Vertex cell and genetic therapies (VCGT) is seeking an individual for 6-month contract who can serve as a key contributor in expanding our testing capabilities and supporting routine analytical activities. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in cell culture work and experience in handling automated platforms with troubleshooting abilities, and a thorough understanding of SOPs and report documentation. Extensive hands-on experience with cell therapies is preferred. This individual will collaborate and coordinate across cross-functional teams within Analytical and Process Development, to support the development of Cell and Gene Therapy processes and products.

Requirements

• BS with 2+ years experience or MS with 0-2 years experience.
• Possesses excellent pipetting skills.
• Has experience with molecular assays such as PCR, RT-qPCR, and ELISA
• Hands-on experience and technical proficiency with mammalian cell culture, aseptic technique.
• Ability to follow SOPs and instructions.
• Has excellent communication skills and is effectively able to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong organizational skills and good attention to detail.
• Possess standard lab safety regulations and work in GLP like laboratory environment
• Ability to utilize Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel and Word to perform tasks as assigned.
• Able to perform successfully under pressure while prioritizing and handling multiple projects or priorities within required timelines.
• Strong attention to details.

Nice To Haves

• Extensive hands-on experience with cell therapies is preferred.
• Relevant industry experience with Mol Bio assays in biologics or cell and gene therapy space.
• Industry experience in cell and gene therapy space.
• Experience with Sangar sequencing.
• Experience culturing multiple different cell types.
• Experience working with ELN/LIMS systems.
• Experience working with pluripotent/hematopoietic stem cells.
• Knowledge of lab automation tools such as Hamilton and Tecan.

Responsibilities

• Carry out routine molecular biology and cellular assays both manually and automated for Vertex’s preclinical, clinical and next generation cell therapy programs.
• Provide analytical testing support for cell-based assays like cell count and viability assay, high throughput fluorescence cell-based assay and flow cytometry assay using automation tools like liquid handlers, flow cytometers and high content microscopes.
• Provide analytical testing support for Mol Bio-based assays such as RT-qPCR, ELISA, MSD, and Alphalisa assay both manually and using automation tools like liquid handlers
• Assist analytical development teams with setting up, monitoring, and successfully completing daily testing both manually and automated.
• Report on project progress and reports or present data effectively at internal group or project team meetings as needed.
• Coordinate shipment, handling, and reagents from internal and external sources.
• Track inventory for samples and reagents as needed for several projects.
• Participate in data management activities to ensure timely completion of deliverables.
• Support Wednesday to Sunday with occasional off-schedule days, and second shift/late evening coverage as required for process and analytical development teams on several assays as required and flexible to travel between sites within 2.0 mile distance.
• Be a strong team player contributing to group priorities and deliverables and great attention to detail skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities
• Maintain excellent written documentation of completed experiment (ELN) and maintain knowledge share systems (MS-Teams and share points).
• Ability to follow and understand SOPs and review protocols or reports as needed along with good analytical understanding for data interpretation.
• Assist with lab organization and compliance with lab safety protocols.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Benefits

• compensation, medical benefits, fringe benefits and other terms and conditions of employment shall be presented by the third-party agency partner upon offer.
• eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree