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Research Specialist, Genomics

Collegeville, PA 19426

Posted: 05/09/2023 Employment Type: Contract Job Category: Scientific Job Number: 548804-1 Is job remote?: No Country: United States

Job Description

Target Pay Rate: 29-32/hr **salary will be commensurate with experience

Job Description: 

The Research Specialist, Genomics is responsible for assay development and optimization of high throughput gene-editing workflows. In this role, the candidate will work within a matrix, collaborative, fast-paced, team environment across a diverse biotherapeutic portfolio within the company.

Job Responsibilities: 
  • Work with the Customer and client staff to ensure quality and compliance of work and activities carried out within the laboratory.
  • Develop target relevant cell-based assays; optimize, validate, and troubleshoot screening assay robustness, sensitivity, reproducibility; convert assays into HT screening format.
  • Maintain mammalian cell cultures, optimize and utilize gene editing technologies (CRISPR, RNAi) to develop in vitro functional models and perform high-throughput screens.
  • Ensure all tasks and responsibilities are performed according to industry-leading scientific and ethical standards and accurately documented in lab electronic notebook system
  • Analyze, synthesize, and communicate data to both technical and non-technical colleagues and collaborators
  • Generate and analyze data with the highest Data Integrity standards.
  • The leader will also interface with key customer contacts to ensure KPIs are being hit and customer satisfaction is at a high level.
  • Work in collaboration with Customer line safety reps to ensure a high level of safety is maintained in the lab. Continue technological improvements to increase productivity and cost-efficiency.
  • Data reporting, management, and interactions as appropriate with the teams.
  • Ensure compliance with all R&D data integrity practices, ethics codes, standards and training, and safety training and practice
  • Support customer desired growth by identifying activities in which we can provide additional services, working with all critical client and customer team members and following proper approval processes.
Basic Qualifications:
  • B.S. with 2 years of research experience
  • Experience with standard in vitro biochemical and cell-based assays (e.g. reporter gene, protein translocation, HTRF, ELISA etc.), including assay transfer, execution and troubleshooting.
  • Experience in molecular biology techniques, including but not limit to qPCR and Western Blot.
  • Computational skills preferred for enabling automated data acquisition and analysis, and familiarity with related data analysis applications, example Spotfire and PRISM.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • MS or PhD in cell biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, or related field with with the ability to succeed in a collaborative, matrix environment.
  • Experience in RNAi/CRISPR gene editing using various methods such as electroporation, lipid transfection, lentivirus infections.
  • Experience within the pharmaceutical industry as highly preferred.
  • Experience in developing protocols and utilization of liquid handling platforms such as the Hamilton STAR and Labcyte Echo as well as plate readers like BMG Pherastar.
  • Experience using Microsoft 365, including Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel and others.
  • Strong communication skills both written and verbal.
  • Self-motivated and able to work under pressure to prioritize conflicting deadlines.
  • Service orientated attitude combined with innovative thinking.
  • Knowledge of laboratory safety practices as defined by the Company and/or the customer’s site safety code.
  •  Strong interpersonal skills; strong team player with customer satisfaction focus
Working Conditions:
  • The primary working conditions associated with this position is dependent on the specific customer site and the types of services we support at the site. Conditions can vary anywhere from office areas, lab spaces, to freight elevators etc.
  • Employee may be required to manage hazardous wastes in compliance with company procedures & State/Federal/Local hazardous waste regulations.
  • Duties may include; Identifying, handling, generating, accumulating, storing, labeling.
  • Must be able to work in a laboratory, controlled environments requiring personal protective equipment.
  • Work with biohazards such as blood borne pathogens.
  • Ensure safety, security, and the environment in all aspects of the daily activities, and any potential safety hazards are addressed and corrected immediately.
  • Understand the ergonomic relationship between people, equipment, and the working environment.
  • Must be able to work in a laboratory, controlled environments requiring personal protective equipment.

Other Requirements:
  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position for more than 25% of the time.
  • The person in this position needs to regularly move inside and outside the lab
  • Frequently operate on instruments, objects, tools or controls, which will require regularly bending, squatting, stretching and reaching in order to complete tasks.
  • Regularly move or lift 25 pounds, up to 50 pounds, of laboratory equipment and machinery.
  • Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this position include without limitation, the ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the instrument), distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus in order to perform the essential service functions of this position.
  • Use of personal protective equipment in laboratory.

The staffing industry has seen an increase in people falsely representing themselves as recruiters to gather personal information from job seekers. For your safety, do not provide sensitive data to anyone you have not spoken with thoroughly and never provide banking information during the application process. Candidate safety is a top priority at Planet Pharma.

Planet Pharma and The Planet Group of Companies are equal opportunity employers. It is our practice not to discriminate against any employee or applicant based on any criteria, condition or basis protected by laws or regulations in the locations where we do business. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. We celebrate diversity and are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect. We believe that diversity, equity and inclusion enable us to better meet our mission and values while serving our clients across the globe. If you have a disability or handicap and would like us to accommodate you in any reasonable way, please inform your recruiter, or contact us, so that we can discuss the appropriate alternatives available.

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About Collegeville, PA

Ready to embark on a career journey in the vibrant Collegeville, Pennsylvania area? Explore our job opportunities and unlock a world of possibilities right here in this charming locale. Nestled in Montgomery County, PA, Collegeville boasts a perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. With its close proximity to Philadelphia, job seekers can enjoy a thriving job market, top-notch educational institutions like Ursinus College, and an array of entertainment options including the renowned Perkiomen Trail and the captivating art galleries at the Berman Museum of Art. Indulge in the local cuisine, catch a live show at the Collegeville Theater, or cheer on the Philadelphia Eagles at nearby Lincoln Financial Field. Join us in Collegeville and watch your career soar in a place where opportunities abound!

Although this hasn't been an issue at Planet Pharma, the staffing industry has seen an increase in people falsely representing themselves as recruiters to gather personal information from job seekers. For your safety, do not provide sensitive data to anyone you have not spoken with thoroughly and never provide banking information during the application process. Candidate safety is a top priority at Planet Pharma.