Research Associate

Description

The Research Associate, Analytical Sciences will be responsible for the execution of routine testing, including but not limited to cell-based cytotoxicity assays and molecular biology assays to characterize T cell therapy processes and products.

Additionally, this role contributes to the daily operational tasks in the Analytical Sciences team. This role is based out of Santa Monica, CA and reports directly to the Senior Scientist, Analytical Science.

Working Hours: 9am-5pm

Possible OT

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Perform T Cell product handling: thaw, culture/expansion, harvest, and cryopreservation
• Perform suspension/adherent cell handling: thaw, culture/expansion, harvest, and cryopreservation
• Manage cold storage units for inventory stock and cell banks
• Perform routine analytical testing to characterize cell products or processes primarily using cell counters, live cell imaging, or luciferase assays.
• Complete routine testing and experiment documentation to support process/product characterization, investigation, tech transfer, and IND filings with In-Process and final product materials.
• Participate in writing and revising test methods, SOPs and/or other documents as appropriate.
• Monitor and trend method performance parameters, assay control materials, and cell lines
• Escalate and present out of trend data of assay controls and system/sample suitability issues
• Assist in everyday operation of analytical laboratories, including but not limited to equipment management, lab maintenance, consumables restocking, and reagent inventory.
• Support cross-functional projects with process development, manufacturing, quality control, and quality assurance groups.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Extensive experience handling T cell, suspension, and adherent cell lines.
• Aseptic formulation of various cell growth media and handling & storage of critical media components
• Hands-on experience in performing and analyzing cell-based assays preferred.
• Detail-oriented in both technical assay execution and data analysis.
• Must be eager to learn and willing to ask questions.
• Experience working with an eLN or LIMS is a plus.
• Experience in flow cytometry & molecular assay equipment/software is a plus.
• Enjoy a fast-paced, dynamic team and company environment and able to adjust tasks based upon changing priorities.

Education and Experience:

• BS degree in Biology, Chemistry, or related discipline with a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience.
• Industry experience not required but a plus.
• Experience working in a regulated environment is a plus.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Sit, stand, walk and communicate verbally (i.e. speak and hear).
• The employee is frequently required to use their hands and arms to reach and grasp (i.e. tactile functioning).
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus to read.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• May be required to travel by plane or car 5% of the time
• This position requires working with biological and/or chemical hazards