Research Scientist Stem Cell

JOB SUMMARY:  Under the direct supervision of the Chief Medical Officer, this position maintains responsibility to initiate, design, develop, execute and implement scientific research in collaboration with internal and external research team(s).  Additional responsibilities include acting as primary scientific leader and subject matter expert in developing research initiatives and services in the areas of stem cell biology.  This position is responsible for developing a program strategy and meeting results relative to program goals and business requirements. 

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

1)  Oversee the development of research investigations applying a wide variety of scientific principles and theories with the demonstrated skill and ability to keep accurate data.

2)  Records and maintains written documented records of procedures, reagents, methods, results and activities as required on a day to day basis for Good Laboratory Practices

3)  Plans and executes laboratory research and protocol development related to stem cell related products and research.

4)  Utilize laboratory expertise to oversee, train and create process flow efficiencies for:

a. The isolation and molecular characterization of a progenitor cell population;

b.  Gene manipulation of stem cells with gene target constructs

5)  Summarize project accomplishments and results verbally and in writing to communicate information to staff and others as requested.

 

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS/ENVIRONMENT:

1)  Processes tissue specimens in a fast-paced environment according to standard laboratory formulas and procedures.

2)  Meets regularly with the IGC Leadership to conduct activities as directed, including those associated with support of R & D activities, collection and/or processing of study information and research materials, and reports on laboratory activities.

3)  Works independently, expeditiously and with great attention to detail and understands and appreciates the critical nature of specimens associated with respective projects.

4)  Is able to multi-task and rapidly switch directions to accommodate changes in study designs; participates as a team leader and member; and interacts closely with other staff members to meet project objectives and timelines.

5)  Performs laboratory activities in compliance with laboratory protocols, SOPs, project outlines/timelines and all safety, regulatory, institutional CLIA and GLP guidelines.

6)  Uses basic understanding of theory and knowledge gained through previous technical and non-technical training to identify and troubleshoot situations needing special attention.

7)  Perform repetitive motion processes as related to molecular analyte extraction (such as the use of pipettes).

 

 

EQUIPMENT USED:

1)  Operates general laboratory equipment such as pipettes, centrifuge, pH meter, barcode based tracking system, analytical balances, thermalcyclers, spectrophotometer, robotics and laboratory automation, gel electrophoresis apparatus, and laminar flow hood.

2)  Uses universal safety precautions to protect self and co-workers from biohazardous materials, including blood-borne pathogens.  Uses appropriate laboratory techniques to avoid contaminating laboratory experiments.

3)  Uses general office equipment and various software applications such as spreadsheets, relational databases, electronic mail, internet, statistical packages and graphics packages to process and/or format data.

 

MARGINAL ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

1)  Contributes to the writing and review of SOPs as necessary.

2)  Provides technical assistance to other staff as requested.

3)  Performs other duties as assigned. 

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  Not applicable to this position.

 

SCOPE AND COMPLEXITY:  Included in the job summary.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  PhD in a life sciences discipline with five years of postdoctoral or industry experience in stem cell research.  Proven team participation and productivity required.  Well developed experimental design abilities and methods expertise  with  strong communication, analytical and scientific skills required.  This position requires a proven track record of scientific design implementation via analysis of data towards the development of new business opportunities.  The successful candidate will have excellent data management and documentation skills.

 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  Familiarity with CLIA and GLP laboratory environments along with robotic and laboratory automation including high-throughput protocol development and implementation and barcode-based tracking will be a definite plus.