Senior Research Associate

Astellas Pharma • Westborough, MA

6h • Onsite

About The Position

The Sr. Research Associate will be responsible for growing technical knowledge and continued understanding of administrative operations with ability to troubleshoot and solve technical problems. This person will independently contribute to the scientific experiments and continue to take on more responsibility to provide content for various documents and reports. This person will be able to execute protocols and have ability to summarize results independently.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with 5+ years lab experience or master's degree with 2+ years lab experience.
• Proficient in aseptic technique and mammalian-cell culture.
• Working experience with stem cells (embryonic stem cells, iPS cells or mesenchymal stem cells) and their differentiation towards products for regenerative medicine
• Theoretical and hands-on knowledge and experience with methods used for molecular characterization of mammalian cells, particularly cell culture techniques, imaging, metabolic profiling and gene expression analysis.
• Working experience in the development of SOPs or batch records.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and effectively manage multiple projects
• Ability to work productively in a collaborative and cross functional team environment with internal and external partners across multiple scientific disciplines
• Excellent organizational, written, and oral communication skills to convey technical information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule
• Exceptional oral and written skills

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in process development of cell-based products and automation solutions, and familiarity with cGMP.
• Experience with the use of bioreactors or closed systems for mammalian cell culture, with preference for the culture of pluripotent cells or their derivatives.
• Experience with ocular cell cultures, biochemistry, eye organogenesis, and/or physiology of vision.
• Experience with basic molecular biology techniques (e.g., qPCR, immunofluorescence).
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office software (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)

Responsibilities

• Work closely with other Process Readiness team members, as well as interact with personnel within other Technical Operations groups and upstream Biology teams.
• With direction of supervisor, assist in experimental design and method development.
• Independently run experimental studies, document results, and analyse data.
• Apply critical thinking skills to troubleshoot and solve technical problems with the supervisor.
• Maintain, passage, freeze, and characterize cell lines using techniques including imaging, metabolic profiling, qPCR and flow cytometry.
• Independently prepare drafts of study protocols and technical reports, detailing procedures, outcomes, and observations.
• Offer insightful review of documentation, potentially including those from other groups within Astellas and/or outside labs.
• Contribute to batch record development.
• Follow SOPs and batch records with high attention to detail.
• Maintain accurate record keeping in laboratory notebooks and appropriate databases in a timely manner.
• Perform literature searches and analysis as needed for process and assay development.
• Maintain inventory of reagents and disposables and order supplies as needed.
• Ability to adjust schedule when necessary to meet job responsibilities, work longer weekdays or on weekends.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off options, including Vacation and Sick time, plus national holidays including year-end shut down
• 401(k) match and annual company contribution
• Company paid life insurance
• Annual Corporate Bonus and Quarterly Sales Incentive for eligible positions
• Long Term Incentive Plan for eligible positions
• Company-paid fleet vehicle for eligible positions
• Referral bonus program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees