Research Scientist, Protein Characterization

About IMCS:

At Integrated Micro-Chromatography Systems (IMCS), you will collaborate across departments and gain broad exposure to the business. Because IMCS is a smaller organization, you will interact regularly with team members and executives in a highly visible work environment. Our products support the evolving needs of clinical and research laboratories through advanced technologies that improve testing efficiency. By integrating with existing automation systems, IMCS solutions help advance precision medicine by generating high-quality data. We are committed to accuracy and to delivering fast, reliable results that support machine learning and advanced algorithms.

Job Summary:

Research Scientist I, Protein Characterization is responsible for executing and analyzing experiments related to protein expression, purification, and characterization. The staff is part of the enzyme discovery research and development team, focusing on expression and purification of novel enzymes with high commercial value to the company. As part of the research team, the Research Scientist will contribute to the molecular engineering of novel protein targets, and development and implementation of downstream purification processes of such novel proteins to advance research programs of the company. S/he may be asked to contribute to drafting external documents, especially for purposes of Sales & Marketing, but also the drafting of peer-reviewed research articles and intellectual property. S/he may also be expected to assist customers directly with technical concerns. S/he must encourage and enforce safety standards.

Responsibilities (may include but not limited to):

• Plan and execute independent research work at the project level, including, but not limited to, project planning, execution, analysis, data compilation, data interpretation, presentation and reporting.
• Report status of assigned projects through the preparation of detailed reports and documentation that summarize experiment results. Interprets results of experiments and makes recommendations for improvements.
• Contribute to intellectual property by developing new products and/or processes.
• Independent time management and prompt completion of multiple projects.
• Familiarity with programming on UNICORN software (FPLC).
• Verification of scaled-up protein purification methods.
• Protein stability testing (melting temperature, aggregation temperature, particle sizing) and optimizations of formulations and lyophilization.
• Working with other department representatives to deliver cross-departmental objectives.
• All listed tasks and responsibilities are deemed as essential functions to this position; however, business conditions may require reasonable accommodation for additional tasks and responsibilities.

Required Qualifications (knowledge AND experience):

• Ph.D. (preferred) in Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field and 0 years combined postdoctoral and relevant work experience; or
• M.Sc. in Microbiology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field and 3 years relevant work experience;
• Hands-on experience in purification equipment including AKTA FPLCs and chromatography systems.
• Working knowledge of different types of chromatography and associated resins as well as relevant buffer systems used for size exclusion, ion-exchange, and affinity chromatography.
• Experience with protein analysis including SDS-PAGE, Western Blot, as well as protein concentration.
• Knowledge of bioanalytical methods and standard protein quality assays is required.
• Ability to prioritize and work quickly to purify multiple protein samples in parallel.
• Excellent organizational and verbal/written communication skills.
• Must be resourceful and self-motivated.

Preferred Qualifications (knowledge OR experience):

• Exceptional candidates will demonstrate proficiency in the latest technologies used in downstream processing (i.e. membrane chromatography or monoliths).
• Experience with high-throughput protein purification workflows starting from cell lysis, clarification, filtration, and chromatography, followed by buffer exchange and subsequent analytical processes.
• Demonstrated ability to work in team setting as well as independently on multiple projects in parallel on strict deadlines.
• Demonstrate a firm understanding of the protein purification processes, theory, and practical workflows from R&D (micro and milligram scales) and larger scale manufacturing (grams to kilograms).

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be performed by an employee to successfully execute the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.

The employee must be able to sit for long periods. The employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers, handle or feel objects, utilize tools, and operate controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Note

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job- related instructions and perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements of this position and are subject to modification for reasonable accommodation of individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents must possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

Contact: jobs@imcstips.com

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person