The role of the Research Associate II is to advance LGC CDx’s purpose of understanding disease by supporting the research and development of new precision diagnostic products. Support includes independently performing routine and non-routine applications of cellular/molecular genetic technology to quantitate and manipulate genetic material.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform general molecular techniques such as nucleic acid purification, gel-electrophoresis, RNA transcription, cell culture, and bacterial culture.
• Perform nucleic acid analysis (RNA/DNA integrity analysis, real time qPCR, digital PCR) and analyze results.
• Culture cells using aseptic techniques. Introduce nucleic acids into cultured cells.
• Prepare and assess NGS libraries for sequencing.
• Organize projects and data using Excel, Word, PowerPoint and a document control system (EtQ).
• Work with supervisor to plan and execute experiments and tasks as assigned according to the timelines and ensure documentation meets GLP/GMP requirements.
• Record test results and data records, seek appropriate approval and file according to established procedures.
• Maintain, calibrate, and operate equipment according to established protocols. Monitor equipment for appropriate operation within set parameters and refer abnormal results to lab management.
• Plan for raw material requirements by maintaining appropriate inventory of reagents and ordering reagents as needed through an ERP system (SAP).
• Maintain a clean and safe lab environment.

Knowledge, Experience and Technical Skills

• Critical thinker who can analyze date and respond quickly.
• Ability to manage and complete projects as assigned.
• Ability to multitask and move from project to project quickly as priorities change.
• Team player willing to contribute to other groups as needed.
• Ability to be able to work independently with minimal supervision as well as to communicate results and provide status updates to supervisor in a timely fashion.
• Strong organizational skills. Engaged and committed team professional who is committed to product development.
• Passion for continuous improvement and learning new skills.
• Can work on diverse projects, sometime simultaneously, as requested.
• Collaborates effectively with others.
• Independent thinker and self-learner

Education and/or Experience

• A recent master’s degree in Biochemistry or Molecular Biology or a related field.
• 3yrs plus experience in Molecular Biology techniques such as DNA/RNA Purification and quantitation, PCR (Endpoint or Real time PCR), DNA/RNA electrophoresis.
• First-hand experience with aseptic techniques.
• Software experience: Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Analytic skills: Perform preliminary data interpretation/analysis. Follow SOPs

Physical Demands

The physical demands 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.

• Requires prolonged sitting and working at a computer monitor. Repetitive motion using a keyboard for long periods of time. May occasionally be required to lift and move material weighing up to 10 lbs.
• Requires moving between lab spaces and standing/sitting at lab benches. Requires repetitive manual pipetting.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Agreeable work environment typical of an open office setting with some exposure to noise from office machines.
• This is an onsite position that will require daily attendance to the Gaithersburg, MD location.