Research Associate II / Lab Manager

Research Associate II / Lab Manager

Location: South San Francisco, CA

Duration: 12 months with possible extension/possible contract to hire

Description:

We have an opening for a Research Associate / Lab Manager to join the Complex in vitro Systems (CiS) group in Clients 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, Client 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 neuro vasculature), and performing quantitative endpoint assays such as immunostaining and confocal microscopy, qPCR, Luminex, etc.

These responsibilities will comprise approximately 50% of the individuals 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.

You are:

Bachelors (BS/BA) degree in bioengineering, chemical engineering, biology, physiology, pharmaceutical sciences or related discipline is required. A Masters 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 labeling 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.

As an equal opportunity employer, ICONMA provides an employment environment that supports and encourages the abilities of all persons without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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