Senior Research Assistant

MESO SCALE DIAGNOSTICS, LLC.•Gaithersburg, MD

5d•$44,300 - $64,300

About The Position

This position supports research and product development by executing experiments, testing new products, and maintaining laboratory equipment. The role includes scheduled equipment maintenance and instrument qualification, as well as laboratory experiments that support and accelerate feasibility, development, and qualification testing of new products. Weekend work on Saturday or Sunday is required. The Senior Research Assistant independently performs experiments using established protocols, including plate-based immunoassay kit component testing, qualification testing of new immunoassays, sample processing and testing, product performance optimization, and pilot-scale preparation and testing of immunoassay kit components. The position also trains new employees, maintains and qualifies laboratory equipment, troubleshoots equipment issues, and follows company safety requirements, procedures, and good laboratory practices.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in a scientific field or equivalent relevant work experience.
Two years of experience working in a laboratory setting.
Experience with Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) is required.
Knowledge of general laboratory terminology, proper laboratory equipment handling practices, and safe work practices.
Familiarity with MS Office, particularly MS Excel.
High attention to detail; highly motivated and organized.
Ability to troubleshoot and communicate issues that could affect the quality, accuracy, and reliability of laboratory instrumentation.
Good oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to execute experiments following protocols and/or standard operating procedures.
Ability to move or lift up to 25 pounds.
Ability to work weekends.

Nice To Haves

Laboratory experience with immunoassays is preferred.

Responsibilities

Independently perform immunoassay kit component testing using plate-based assays and established protocols.
Conduct qualification testing of new immunoassays.
Process and test samples using established and newly developed assays.
Test and optimize product performance using complicated layouts and procedures.
Prepare and test immunoassay kit components at pilot scale.
Train new employees on assay procedures, analysis software, and equipment maintenance.
Perform daily, weekly, monthly, and annual laboratory equipment maintenance.
Restock laboratory supplies and dispose of waste as necessary.
Perform laboratory equipment qualification testing.
Troubleshoot malfunctioning equipment, perform minor repairs and part replacements, and schedule major repairs.
Comply with company safety regulations, personal protective equipment requirements, standard operating procedures, work instructions, and good laboratory practices.