Research Associate II / Lab Manager

Position type : Full time Contract

Duration : 12+ months

Location : South San Francisco, CA

As an Research Associate II / Lab Manager , you will :

Summary :

• We have an opening for a Research Associate / Lab Manager to join the Complex in vitro Systems (CiS) group in Research and Early Development organization.
• The CiS group develops and deploys state of the art in vitro micro physiological models to support organization-wide target assessment, lead optimization, and issue mitigation.
• This process involves closely collaborating with scientists across the organization to develop new platforms and technologies that help drive our constantly changing portfolio, novel modalities, and emerging therapeutic area needs.
• To meet our growing needs and support our deployed model systems, we are looking for a skilled and highly motivated Research Associate / Lab Manager to join the CiS group.
• This lab-based individual will be responsible for duties that include but are not limited to : routine cell culture for cell lines and primary cells, creation and maintenance of various types of different micro physiological models (e.

g. organoid, organ-on-chip, or microfluidic platforms) for neural tissue types (e.g. neurons, astrocytes, neural organoids and neurovasculature), and performing quantitative endpoint assays such as immunostaining and confocal microscopy, qPCR, Luminex, etc.

• These responsibilities will comprise approximately 50% of the individual’s time.
• In addition to these lab-based responsibilities, this individual will also be responsible for upkeep and maintenance jobs, such as vendor management, restocking, and equipment maintenance, which is anticipated to comprise the other 50%.
• Due to the multi-faceted nature of this role, the individual must have strong organizational, multi-tasking, and communication skills, and must feel comfortable in a fast-paced and diverse research environment.
• This role is a one-year contract with potential to extend or convert to full time employee status.

Who you are :

• Bachelor’s (BS / BA) degree in bioengineering, chemical engineering, biology, physiology, pharmaceutical sciences or related discipline is required.
• A Master’s degree (MS) is not required but preferred.

Skills :

• Candidate will provide technical support to assays and platforms supported by the CiS group by :
• Routine culture and maintenance of immortalized, stem, and primary cell cultures, both in standard formats (flask or well plate) as well as organoids or organ-on-chip formats.
• Experience with these systems, and experience with a variety of different cell types (e.g. endothelial cells, GI stem cells, lung cells, etc) is highly desirable.
• Routine quantitative endpoint assays, such as immunostaining, confocal imaging and image analysis, high content imaging, qPCR, Luminex, ELISA, cell viability assays, etc.
• Experience with high throughput or automated systems is a plus but not required.
• Performing tasks required for laboratory upkeep, such as : routine sterilization of incubators, requesting and coordinating vendor representatives when required for routine and ad hoc maintenance of equipment, restocking of general laboratory supplies, etc.
• The candidate must have strong hypothesis driven research skills, problem-solving skills, and strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Especially critical for this role is organizational skills : the candidate will be asked to contribute on multiple different projects simultaneously, and proper organization of relevant protocols, observations, and data is key.
• Need for excellent collaborative skills across the team and with key stakeholders
• Ability to analyze, integrate, and present data to collaborators and stakeholders and outside meetings as appropriate
• Maintaining electronic documentation related to departmental SOP adherence, execution, and results, and contributing to final reports as appropriate.
• Conducting experiments with a high level of independence and initiative, and performing tasks with minimal direct supervision for routine methods.

Technical Experience Requirements :

• 1-3+ years minimum of laboratory experience with hypothesis-driven research; we will also consider candidates with more years of experience.
• Ability to analyze, integrate, and present data in a presentation is required.
• Experience with immortalized and / or primary cell culture is required.
• Experience with organoid, organ-on-chip, or other MPS culture platform is highly desired.
• Experience with quantitative end point assays (e.g. confocal microscopy, qPCR, Luminex, Cell-Titer) is highly desired.
• Experience with lab management and administration is highly desired.

Role will involve :

• Sitting or standing for extended periods.
• Performing repetitive tasks such as cell culture, pipetting and labelling tubes.
• Collaboration across the whole organization and with key stakeholders.
• Work with potentially hazardous materials including (but not limited to) : chemotherapeutics, biological hazards, and human primary cells.

Thank you!

Deeksha Gupta

Team Lead - Recruitment

PAY RANGE AND BENEFITS :

Pay Range* : $45 - $48 per hour

Pay range offered to a successful candidate will be based on several factors, including the candidate's education, work experience, work location, specific job duties, certifications, etc.

Benefits : Innova Solutions offers benefits( based on eligibility) that include the following : Medical & pharmacy coverage, Dental / vision insurance, 401(k), Health saving account (HSA) and Flexible spending account (FSA), Life Insurance, Pet Insurance, Short term and Long term Disability, Accident & Critical illness coverage, Pre-paid legal & ID theft protection, Sick time, and other types of paid leaves (as required by law), Employee Assistance Program (EAP).