Scientific Specialist
About The Position
The Scientific Specialist will support drug discovery at a client site in Cambridge, Massachusetts, by executing medium- to high-throughput cell-based screens and assays using integrated automation platforms. The role includes developing, optimizing, and programming automated workflows using high-throughput liquid handlers and multi-instrument systems with scheduling software; serving as the first responder for automation troubleshooting and error recovery; and training automation users in best practices for reliable routine operation. The position also involves maintaining, expanding, and characterizing cell lines and primary cell cultures to provide assay-ready material for screening campaigns. The specialist will provide hands-on support for screening campaigns and assay transfer, optimization, validation, and troubleshooting, including evaluating assay performance, controls, robustness, and reproducibility. They will collaborate with therapeutic-area and functional-area scientists, manage laboratory inventories, handle biohazardous materials, and comply with laboratory protocols and safety requirements while adapting to changing priorities and deadlines. This is a full-time, on-site position at a client facility in Cambridge, MA. The work takes place in a laboratory and controlled environments, may involve a fast pace and high demands, and includes exposure to laboratory hazards. The annual compensation range is $75,000 to $90,000; the final base pay depends on factors including internal equity, work location, qualifications, skills, experience, and education or training.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science with at least 2 years of industry or research experience in Genomics, Immunology, Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biological Engineering, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related life-sciences discipline; or a Master of Science with at least 1 year of industry or pharmaceutical research experience in one of these disciplines.
- Strong knowledge of genomics and cell biology.
- Strong knowledge of and wet-lab experience with high-throughput cell-based screens and assays using integrated automation platforms, including high-throughput liquid handlers and multi-instrument integration with scheduling software.
- Effective written and oral communication skills.
- Good organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to work in a laboratory and controlled environments requiring personal protective equipment.
- Ability to meet the physical and visual demands described for the position, including remaining stationary for more than 25% of the time; moving between onsite labs and buildings; regularly bending, squatting, stretching, and reaching; and occasionally lifting or moving up to 25 pounds, with potential occasional lifting up to 50 pounds.
- May be required to complete medical clearance, respiratory-protection training, and fit testing to wear a respirator.
Nice To Haves
- Hands-on experience performing and analyzing complex cell-based assays in genomics.
- Ability to interpret and analyze data from biological, biochemical, and immunological assay systems and design appropriate follow-up experiments.
- Experience with primary stromal cell cultures and developing in vitro models of fibrosis.
- Knowledge of immunofluorescence microscopy, high-content imaging, and multicolor flow cytometry.
- Experience using MesoScale Discovery, Luminex, ELISA, or related analytical platforms.
- Knowledge of inflammatory and/or autoimmunity-related disease mechanisms.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities.
- Passion for innovation and problem-solving.
- Team-oriented approach.
Responsibilities
- Execute and support medium- to high-throughput cell-based screens and assays using integrated automation platforms, including high-throughput liquid handlers and multi-instrument systems with scheduling software.
- Train automation users on platform concepts and best practices to support reliable routine operation and reduce avoidable run failures.
- Develop, optimize, and program automated workflows for assay development, plate preparation, liquid handling, reagent addition, incubation, and endpoint readouts.
- Act as the first responder for automation troubleshooting and error recovery.
- Maintain, expand, characterize, and prepare cell lines and primary cell cultures to provide consistent, assay-ready material for screening campaigns.
- Provide hands-on screening-campaign support, including plate handling, sample processing, and assay execution.
- Support assay transfer, optimization, validation, and troubleshooting, evaluating assay performance, controls, robustness, and reproducibility.
- Adapt to rapidly changing priorities and deadlines.
- Manage laboratory inventories and handle biohazardous materials according to safety protocols.
- Comply with laboratory safety procedures and guidelines.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
