Associate Biologist Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

 POSITION SUMMARY:

 The Senior Bioanalytical Associate is responsible for handling biological samples, reagents, and materials in support of sample testing and method validation projects. This is a laboratory-based position whose primary function is executing various types of assays with relatively high throughput with minimal supervision in support of bioanalytical projects.  

 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Perform sample analysis with minimal supervision in consultation with Bioanalytical Principal Investigator (BPI)
• Perform method validation testing with minimal supervision in consultation with BPI
• Perform lot qualification of assay reagents with minimal supervision
• Complete test records in compliance with MSD’s Good Documentation Practices (GDP), Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) requirements, applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and study plans
• Perform peer review of test records generated by other testing staff for GDP compliance
• Review analytical data and perform data analysis in consultation with BPI
• Perform sample aliquoting
• Perform general maintenance of lab equipment
• Perform materials/reagent inventory
• Adhere to all laboratory safety policies and procedures including proper use of all required personal protective equipment (PPE) and provide guidance to peers regarding biosafety best practices
• Adhere to applicable principles of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP)

 EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in  biology, chemistry, or other related scientific discipline, or equivalent work experience is required
• Master’s degree is preferred
• Minimum 2 years of work experience in biological sample testing or reagent/assay development in an industrial setting is preferred; academic setting considered
• Demonstrated proficiency in executing wide range of relevant assays can be substituted for up to 1 year of work experience  
• Understanding of ligand-binding assays is required
• Training in and experience with Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) techniques is highly preferred
• Training in and experience with GLP and/or GCLP is preferred
• Experience with running immunoassays/ligand-binding assays is preferred
• Experience with running assays on the MSD platform is preferred
• Experience working in a high complexity/high throughput lab is preferred

 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong scientific fundamentals and analytical background
• Ability to execute complex assays in a high-throughput environment with excellent attention to detail and a focus on high-quality results. 
• Ability to troubleshoot issues and recommend potential solutions to technical challenges.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work well with all levels of employees as well as other parties/stakeholders involved with the company
• Effectively communicate issues/problems and results that impact timelines, accuracy and reliability of laboratory data
• Proficiency in MS Office suite; familiarity with electronic file management using SharePoint (end user minimum)
• Ability to multi-task in an environment with changing priorities

  PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Up to 75 % of the day may be spent at a lab bench, and may involve repetitive tasks (e.g., pipetting)
• Ability to lift/move up to 25 pounds 

 WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

• Laboratory environment working with chemical reagents and Biosafety Level 2 materials including human blood/blood products and other potentially infectious human samples
• May involve handling of pathogenic materials and organisms

COMPENSATION SUMMARY: 

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $67,900 to $101,000. This salary range represents a general guideline as MSD considers other factors when presenting an offer of employment, such as scope and responsibilities of the position, external market factors, and the candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities, education and experience. Employees may qualify for a discretionary or non-discretionary bonus in addition to their base salary. These annual bonuses are intended to recognize individual performance and enable employees to benefit from the Company's overall success. 

BENEFITS SUMMARY: 

At MSD, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well-being and financial security. In addition to competitive salaries, our benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with prescription benefits. We provide a 401(k) plan with company matching, flexible spending accounts, and company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance as well as group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Our offerings also encompass paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, and paid parental leave, along with an employee assistance program. Additional voluntary perks include a fitness club membership contribution, pet insurance, identity theft protection, home and auto insurance discounts, and optional supplemental life insurance.

EEO/AA STATEMENT: 

MSD is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, age, protected veteran status, pregnancy, disability status, or any other protected characteristic. For our full EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please click on the following link: https://www.mesoscale.com/en/our_company/careers/equal_employment_opportunity_statement.  

Meso Scale Diagnostics uses E-Verify to validate the work eligibility of candidates.