Job Description

Contract Research Lab, Bio-imaging Research Associate (Cambridge Area)

Overall responsibilities:

A globally recognized leader in Scientific Instrumentation has established a CRO Bio-imaging Lab in the Greater Boston Area to provide contract imaging and assay development services to support the broader pharmaceutical and biotechnology community. As demand for global contract research services continues to increase, particularly in the realm of bio- imaging, company is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join our growing team. If you are looking to join a company with a dynamic vision for the future, apply your expertise in the life sciences, work on a wide variety of projects involving exciting new technologies, and grow in a multi-functional, stimulating role, then this opportunity is for you!

Key areas of responsibility:

• Support development of cell and tissue-based assay protocols for evaluating cellular interactions, marker expression and functions.
• A strong emphasis will be placed on laboratory bench work, including histology, tissue processing and immunohistochemistry, molecular and cell biology, image analysis, bioinformatics support and associated cell-based assay development, and managing laboratory protocols and consumables.
• Communicate and collaborate with Bio-imaging Lab Scientists to develop research project proposals for contracts with external customers, including providing input and recommendations regarding experimental protocols.
• Execute external contract research and internal applications projects in cooperation with BioImaging Lab scientists.
• Create project summaries and reports, including experimental results, quantitative analysis, optimized protocols and contribute to writing, data analysis, and figure preparation for presentations, scientific reports, and publications.
• Document all laboratory activities, protocols, analysis methods, the collection of data, and control platform to maintain qualified lab work using electronic lab notebook (ELN) software.
• Interact with external vendors and solution providers as needed to carry out research activities.
• Provide weekly and/or monthly reports as requested by management or headquarters.

Ancillary responsibilities:

• Communicate results and data through oral and written communications, and give effective scientific presentations.
• Contribute well-considered ideas for new assays and improvements to existing procedures.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of relevant fields and techniques.
• All ancillary duties as required.

Education, skills & experience:

• BSc  or MSc  in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Neuroscience or a related field.
• 5+ years relevant laboratory work experience for BSc, 2+ years for MSc.
• Current, valid driver's license.
• Previous experience in a biopharma, CRO or academic core facility setting is a strong plus.
• Strong knowledge in one or multiple areas of Neurobiology, Immunology, Cancer Biology, or Metabolic Diseases is essential.
• Proficiency with histology-based applications (i.e. tissue processing, multiplex IF/IHC, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)), molecular biology (i.e. PCR, CRISPR), and optical microscopy (various modalities including widefield, confocal) are strongly preferred.
• Hands-on experience with transcriptomics workflows including executing experiments requiring RNA-seq or scRNA-seq methods, and performing next-gen sequencing (NGS) data analysis using open source Python or R tools.
• Familiarity with imaging and image analysis software tools (i.e. ImageJ/Fiji, CellPose, Stardist) is preferred.
• Familiarity with spatial biology is a plus.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture is a plus.
• Knowledgeable about recent developments in the scientific community and ability to keep up with literature related to one’s area of focus.
• Strong oral, written and presentation skills (e.g. Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Working knowledge of OSHA, DEP, EPA, RCRA, DOT, DPH, MWRA, NIH or NFPA, and other laboratory regulations/guidelines is a plus.
• Comfortable with handling and working with sharp objects (e.g. microtome blades).
• Effective Project Management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, at all levels and cross-functionally.
• Excellent communication skills; ability to communicate internally and externally, representing the organization to customers, vendors and other external sources.
• Ability to work independently but also seek out guidance from more senior colleagues when needed.
• Ability to learn new tools and applications when and where needed.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic work environment where policies and procedures are still taking shape.
• Ability to meet aggressive timelines and successfully manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to work outside of regularly scheduled work hours as needed, in order to fulfill essential functions and responsibilities.
• Ability to develop constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintain them over time.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs.

Compensation depends on a variety of factors including but not limited to; knowledge, skills, experience, education and location.

The range for this position is $80,000-$100,000.

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