Staff Scientist, Protein Production

MESO SCALE DIAGNOSTICS, LLC.•Gaithersburg, MD

5d•$88,100 - $134,400•Onsite

About The Position

This laboratory-based position designs and executes complex experiments and analyzes data in support of reagent and assay development projects. The role develops methods for purification and biochemical characterization of protein-based reagents. The Staff Scientist serves as a subject matter expert, guides team members, and coordinates or manages the work of junior colleagues. The position also contributes to laboratory operations, including supplies, equipment, inventory databases, materials processing, and reagent inventory. Specific duties may vary according to departmental requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in life sciences or a related area; additional experience may be substituted for a graduate degree.
At least 12 years of hands-on laboratory work experience.
Strong knowledge of scientific fundamentals, with a protein biochemistry background.
Strong knowledge of recombinant protein technology.
Aptitude for learning and adhering to standard laboratory techniques and safety precautions.
Working knowledge of protein chemistry, protein and/or peptide isolation and purification, and conjugation methods.
Ability to work independently and effectively as a team member.
Ability to lead and guide other team members.
Strong written and verbal communication skills across documents, presentations, and public speaking situations.
Excellent organizational, planning, and time-management skills, including managing changing priorities and meeting time-sensitive deadlines.
Attention to detail and commitment to excellence and performance.
Creative, collaborative, proactive, and self-motivated approach to assigned work.
Strong analytical skills, including gathering and evaluating complex data and developing recommendations and plans of action.
Proficiency in MS Excel.
Ability to work at heights above four feet on occasion and move or lift up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree is preferred.
Vector design and construction for protein expression.
Cell culture.
Protein expression.
Protein purification through column chromatography, including working knowledge of FPLC and HPLC instruments.
Analytical characterization of purified proteins using methods such as PAGE, Western, IEF, and UV/Vis.

Responsibilities

Independently design and execute complex experiments and implement plans.
Analyze experimental data using spreadsheets and graphing software, including statistical analyses.
Prepare clear presentations, summaries, and recommendations for next steps without supervisor input, and present findings to peer and supervisor review groups.
Serve as a subject matter expert and provide guidance to team members on experiments and laboratory procedures.
Coordinate and manage the work of junior team members.
Lead and participate in general laboratory maintenance, including maintaining supplies and equipment, electronic and physical inventories, processing and aliquoting materials, vialing and labeling, and preparing and maintaining reagent inventories.
Potentially monitor and report on the infrastructure of a laboratory or functional area.
Develop methods for purification and biochemical characterization of protein-based reagents.
Execute experiments, identify issues, and propose and perform troubleshooting.