Senior Research Assistant

MSD Careers • Gaithersburg, MD

4d

About The Position

This position supports research and product development by executing experiments, testing new products, and maintaining laboratory equipment. The work includes scheduled equipment maintenance and instrument qualification, as well as laboratory experiments that support feasibility, development, and qualification testing of new products. Weekend work on Saturday or Sunday is required.

The role performs established assay and sample-testing procedures, supports immunoassay kit component preparation and testing, trains new employees, and helps ensure laboratory equipment and work practices comply with company policies, safety requirements, and good laboratory practices. The work takes place in a standard biology laboratory environment using chemical and biological reagents up to BSL-2.

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, and safe work practices.
• Familiarity with MS Office, particularly MS Excel.
• High attention to detail; motivated and organized.
• Ability to troubleshoot and communicate issues that could affect the quality, accuracy, and reliability of laboratory instrumentation.
• Good oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to execute experiments by following protocols and/or SOPs.
• Ability to move or lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to work weekends.

Nice To Haves

• Laboratory experience with immunoassays is preferred.

Responsibilities

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

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with prescription benefits.
• 401(k) plan with company matching.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
• Paid vacation, paid sick leave, and paid holidays.
• Paid parental leave.
• Employee assistance program.
• Fitness club membership contribution.
• Pet insurance.
• Identity theft protection.
• Home and auto insurance discounts.
• Optional supplemental life insurance.
• Employees may qualify for a discretionary or non-discretionary bonus.

What This Job Offers

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