Research Associate I

FLSA Classification : Non-exempt/hourly 

Schedule:   Monday-Friday; 0800-1700, 40-hour/week, fully on-site 

Department: CMC Process & Analytical Development

Reports to: Associate Director, CMC Process & Analytical Development

Supervisory responsibilities: No 

Location: ​​Weatherford - 13203 Murphy Rd. Stafford, TX 77477​  

Position Summary/objective: 

The successful candidate will be primarily responsible for supporting the company’s ongoing clinical trials by performing product characterization assays. This is an excellent opportunity to join a core lab to develop and/or expand career skills and knowledge in a growing field.   

Essential functions: 

• Execution of flow cytometry-based assays per Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) or study plans.  

• Perform aseptic cell culture and processing. 

• Maintains accurate documentation in compliance with SOPs and appropriate federal and local regulations.  

• Perform routine laboratory duties as required. 

• Actively assist with data analysis, experimental design, choice of control samples, optimization of flow cytometry protocols and instrument settings. 

• Assist with drafting and updating of documents  

Secondary functions:  

• Perform daily routine equipment calibration and maintenance according to established SOPs. 

• Maintain, operate, and troubleshoot core instruments and support users.    

Competencies: 

• Basic laboratory skills and competencies with general lab equipment.  

• Attention to details and accuracy.  

• Ability to prioritize and adapt quickly in a fast-paced and changing industry.   

• Proactively drive quality and efficiency to meet timelines and milestones to deliver high quality deliverables.  

• Clear and efficient verbal and written communication skills.  

• High degree of initiative and intrinsic motivation. 

Work environment: 

 This position works in a typical office and/or clinical lab environment with moderate noise levels and uses phone, computer, office equipment and supplies on a regular basis. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, pathogens and toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, risk of electrical shock, sharps, or cuts, while performing tests. 

Physical demands: 

• Communicating Verbally – expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word to impart oral information to others to convey detailed spoken instructions or other workers accurately, loudly or quickly. 

• Hearing – the ability to hear, understand, and distinguish speech and/or other sounds one-on-one, group or conference, telephone, and other sounds. 

• Keyboarding – entering data or text into a computer or other machine by means of a keyboard. Devices include a traditional keyboard, 10 key-pad, touch screens and others.  

• Lifting - raising or lowering an object (up to 25 lbs) from one level to another (includes upward pulling). Carrying is to transport an object – usually by holding it in the hands or arms but may occur on the shoulder. 

• Near Visual Acuity – clarity of vision at approximately 20 inches or less (working with small objects, reading small print, including the use of computers).  

• Pushing - Exerting force upon an object so that the object moves away from the object. 

• Pulling - Exerting force upon an object so that the object moves toward the force.  

• Sitting – remaining in a sitting position for at least 50% of the time. 

• Standing/Walking - remain on one's feet in an upright position at a workstation.  

• Stooping – occasional bending the body downward and forward by bending the spine at the waist - requiring full use of the lower extremities and back muscles. 

Required education and experience  

• Bachelor’s Degree in biological science or related field.   

• Minimum two (2) years of relevant experience. 

Preferred education and experience 

• Master’s Degree in biological science with 2 years of flow cytometry experience.  

• Work experience in multi-user core facility. 

• Knowledge and experience with high parameter flow cytometry and software (DIVA, FlowJo).