We are seeking an experienced and dedicated SENIOR RESEARCH ASSOCIATE to join our R&D team and contribute to the development of novel molecular diagnostic assays. This positions would be best filled by a candidate who can independently design studies and analyze data, while also assisting the broader team with experiment execution and mentoring less experienced associates.  The Senior Research Associate will join a growing and fast paced R&D department composed of assay development associates and scientists. This position will report directly to the Vice President, Science R&D. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design feasibility and assay development studies according to product needs.
• Take part in collaborative studies required for all phases of product development.
• Optimize assay conditions and troubleshoot technical issues.
• Document experimental results completely, accurately, and timely.
• Provide technical and scientific leadership to junior team members.
• Interact and communicate with other groups and functionalities.
• Maintain compliance with the quality system.
• Understand and consistently follow documented procedures (SOPs, Work Instructions, etc).

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• B.S. or M.S. degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, or related life science discipline.
• 4+ years of industry experience required (IVD experience a plus).
• Knowledge and expertise in developing molecular assays or methods is essential (i.e. real-time PCR, multiplex PCR, primer design, and/or sequencing).
• Knowledge in the use of analytical/statistical software (i.e. Minitab, MATLAB, Python, R).
• Advanced experimental design and DoE experience is a plus.

ADDITIONAL ATTRIBUTES:

• Interest in learning new experimental techniques and data analysis methods. Ability to work in an interdisciplinary research environment that functions at the intersection of life science and physical science fields.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills. Proficiency in technical writing for data summary and technical reports. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Capable of adjusting to dynamic working environment and changing priorities, while ensuring timely completion of assigned tasks.
• Ability to work cooperatively with colleagues of different backgrounds and to maintain a cordial and supportive work environment.

Required Skills Required Experience

• Read and understand Blue Prints in both hard copy and softcopy using AutoCAD.
• Understand and utilize standard Test equipment of the trade. I.e. Fluke 5000/8000 fiber / copper tester using TDR and OTDR functions.
• Experience with Gas Free testers prior to entry of a manhole system
• Fiber splicing tools, procedures, and methods.
• Installation of OSP within the DoD and Naval shore installation practices.
• MS VISIO experience to maintain all switch, network and cable records.
• Must be able to manufacture CAT 3 and CAT 6 cabling
• Familiar with OSHA and EPA directives applicable to outside communications cable plant work and work in confined spaces is essential.
• Firm background with the installation, testing, troubleshooting, and repair of telecommunication outside plant infrastructure cabling. Experience shall encompass the use of both copper and fiber optic cable for aerial, underground and buried applications. Experience with outside plant, plastic sheathed, copper telephone cable ranging from 25 to 2,400 pairs and outside plant, multi/single mode, fiber optic cable ranging from 12 to 288 strands is essential. The individual must have color vision to read color-codes and be able to trace color-coded pairs/strands. Recent experience is defined that the individual is currently, within the past year, performing outside plant cable technician/installation duties.
• Minimum of 2 years’ of recent and reliant experience with splicing outside plant, plastic sheathed, copper telephone cable using 710, MS2, AMP and scotch lock splicing techniques. Individual’s experience must demonstrate the use of different types of splice closures to seal spliced copper cable. Individual’s experience must demonstrate capability to terminate copper cable using terminal types to include 110, 66M and Central Office distribution frame. Copper cable experience shall demonstrate that the individual has worked with outside plant cables having pair counts ranging from 25 to 2,400 pairs.