TITLE:            Development Scientist

LOCATION:            Gaithersburg, MD

JOB DESCRIPTION:

We are looking for a passionate, self-driven and experienced Development Scientist with a background in organic and analytical chemistry and expertise in bioconjugation, chemical crosslinking, surface modification and labeling of biomolecules. The Developmental Scientist will be responsible for leading formulation and process scale-up efforts and preparing quality control and validation protocols for commercialization of innovative product solutions for forensic and diagnostic applications.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with partner R&D laboratories and teams to further develop, formulate and participate in the commercialization of new products requiring solid phase chemical crosslinking and validation protocols involving quantitation of biomolecules.
• Insure proper quality control and product performance and provide instructions on proper chemical testing and processing procedures.
• Prepare compounds, reagents, and solutions used in laboratory procedures.
• Write technical reports describing methods and findings and demonstrate problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• Present findings to Company management, marketing, scientists, and other colleagues.
• Maintain laboratory instruments, troubleshoot malfunctions, and purchase new laboratory supplies.
• Evaluate and ensure compliance with laboratory safety procedures and standards.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Masters degree in Chemistry or a related field, or a Bachelors degree with several years relevant experience in a commercial life sciences company.
• Experience in scientific research and laboratory work with emphasis on use of chemical crosslinking reagents and development of biomolecular testing and quality control protocols.
• Proficiency with computers and scientific equipment.
• Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills.
• Good presentation, documentation, and reporting skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Sense of ownership and pride in your performance and its impact on the company's success.
• Satisfactory and positive responses from business and personal references.
• Passing of a background check which may include verification of prior employment, criminal conviction, and history, educational and driving records.

SUCCESS PROFILE:

• Critical thinker with excellent problem-solving skills.
• Team player.
• Good time-management skills.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.
• Hands-on, action oriented.
• High energy.
• Self-starter able to work autonomously.
• Copes well with the change, uncertainty and ambiguity inherent in an early stage company.