Scientist 1 - Assay Development/Molecular Biology/ NGS

Merck KGaA Darmstadt Germany • Rockville, MD

241d • $84,700 - $131,000

About The Position

At MilliporeSigma, as a Scientist 1 with our R D Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) group in our Rockville facility, you will function as an integral scientific and technical resource for the implementation of NGS to the field of biosafety testing. Your role is essential for the advancement of the global commercial NGS offerings of the company. You will support the development and implementation of new NGS assays in the field of biosafety testing and genomics and contribute to the advancement of the commercial NGS offerings of the company. Enhance the development of in-house NGS/CRISPR-based assays to increase specificity and lead to adapt in-house NGS/CRISPR-based assays for Gene editing in cell culture. Actively collaborate with NGS/CRISPR teams within organization to develop independent gene editing assays. Oversee the development, implementation and execution of new commercial NGS assays and support the day-to-day operation of the facility. Assist with transfer and validation of new NGS assays onto automated SciClone platform. Liaise closely with the NGS laboratory and bioinformatics teams, contribute ideas and recommendations for process improvement and engage in troubleshooting and assay advancement activities. Ensure the timely initiation and completion of studies and ensure testing is performed in accordance with SOPs and regulations (cGMP and GLP) for custom/non-routine and new services. Analyze complex data, interpret and integrate experimental results with project objectives, and assist technical lead, as applicable. Familiarity with NGS data analysis. Liaise closely with in-house bioinformatics teams to analyze NGS data.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in a scientific discipline with 1+ years working laboratory experience OR Master's degree with 2+ years working laboratory experience OR Bachelor's degree with 5+ years working laboratory experience.
• 1+ years experience in NGS library preparations, quantifications, and sequencing (Illumina, Nanopore platforms).

Nice To Haves

• Broad working knowledge of NGS field and experience with molecular laboratory practices.
• Demonstrated experience with major NGS sequencing platforms (Illumina, Nanopore, PacBio, DNABSEQ, Sanger Sequencing).
• Demonstrated NGS DNA/RNA assay development experience.
• Ability to analyze NGS data on Linux platform; comfortable with command line interface.
• Experience in usage of IGV, NCBI, UCSF genome browser, and other NCBI tools.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work well independently and in a team environment.
• Background/experience with CRISPR/Cas assays and/or gene editing.

Responsibilities

• Function as an integral scientific and technical resource for the implementation of NGS to the field of biosafety testing.
• Support the development and implementation of new NGS assays in the field of biosafety testing and genomics.
• Enhance the development of in-house NGS/CRISPR-based assays to increase specificity.
• Collaborate with NGS/CRISPR teams to develop independent gene editing assays.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and execution of new commercial NGS assays.
• Support the day-to-day operation of the facility.
• Assist with transfer and validation of new NGS assays onto automated SciClone platform.
• Liaise with the NGS laboratory and bioinformatics teams for process improvement.
• Engage in troubleshooting and assay advancement activities.
• Ensure testing is performed in accordance with SOPs and regulations (cGMP and GLP).
• Analyze complex data and assist technical lead as applicable.

Benefits

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Disability insurance.
• 401(k) matching program.
• Paid time off.
• Paid holidays.
• Short-term or long-term incentive compensation, including cash bonuses.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Chemical Manufacturing
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree