Cell Culture Scientist I

This role is an insourced position, working on-site at a client facility in Wilmington, DE. Specific company and location details will be provided to qualified candidates.

The Cell Culture Scientist I will grow cells in a controlled environment under client-specific requirements in order to support the company goal of making drug discovery and development more efficient, easier and more reliable for our clients.

Job Purpose

The Cell Culture Scientist I is a scientific position that has a broad background in both molecular and cellular biology. The successful scientist will be responsible for the cultivation of the cell lines according to specifications provided by the client. Cell line cultivation includes all aspects of cell culture for production purposes from maintaining supply inventory to achieving the job end product. This position will also be responsible for the operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment. This position requires accurate record keeping and excellent communication skills as the scientist will work closely with team members and clients to provide valuable knowledge and product(s) to external scientists.

Job Objective

• Maintain accuracy and efficiency when performing daily/ weekly cell culture tasks: counting cells, harvesting cells, expanding cultures, freezing cells, preparing buffers, and media preparations 
• Take all measures to maintain the goal outlined for the project assigned to them. 
• Minimize all contributing factors regarding the contamination of cell lines at any point along the cell culture process.
• Maintain accurate, real-time records of laboratory work in the company’s record system. Complete additional reporting if required, such as in an Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) system or other client-specific reporting system.

Job Competencies

• Practice aseptic technique and proper handling of materials/supplies within the flow hood.
• Ensure that equipment and instruments are operational, materials and supplies are stocked, equipment is maintained, and all safety and security procedures are maintained and monitored to allow safe operation of equipment.
• Routine cleaning of laboratory area including but not limited to: organized counterspace, clean surfaces (countertops, hoods), packing and removing Biohazard waste.
• Work independently and efficiently.
• Document work clearly and accurately in real time using the internal project tracking system.
• Communicate effectively with scientists. 
• Adhere to all SOP’s and project specific instructions.

Education & Experience

Qualifications include:

• Education: A BS or BA degree or higher degree in Biological Sciences is required.
• Experience: >2 years of cell culture experience.
• Language Skills: Cell Culture Scientist I must be fluent in English and possess excellent oral and written communication skills. Good listening skills with the ability to respond to requests quickly and accurately are required.
• Mathematics Skills: A basic understanding of arithmetic and elementary algebra.
• Scientific Skills:  The position requires a good general knowledge of human biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, the functions of cell organelles, location and function of all human organs and physiological systems. A basic knowledge of the drug discovery process is also required. This position requires a good general knowledge of cell morphology and function. Experience in aseptic cell culture or tissue culturing is preferred, but not required.
• Computer Skills: Cell Culture Scientist I must be able to search the Internet independently to find necessary information to help process client requests and those of their supervisor in an efficient manner. Cell Culture Scientist I must become proficient in the use of NetSuite. 

• Personal Skills: Creative problem solving, out of the box thinking, conscientiousness, a bias for action, a desire to learn, and a passion to improve knowledge and performance.

Working Conditions | Physical Requirements

This job requires typical laboratory hours based on the requirements of the laboratory itself. Typical hours are Monday through Friday during the hours of 6am to 6pm. There are some exceptions to the typical hours and sometimes weekend work is required. This job is not physically demanding but is requested that if there are heavy items to move that it is discussed with management.

Salary : $27 - $30