Position Summary:

The Scientist, Molecular Biology, will be responsible for initiating, executing and managing R&D projects to develop infectious disease-based products for life science research applications. The Scientist plans, executes, and troubleshoots research activities and investigates the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and concepts towards the development of new and/or improved products. The incumbent will be expected to identify new and improved technologies to apply towards the development of products geared toward molecular detection of infectious disease agents. The Scientist will also write application notes, journal articles, and invention disclosures, as needed, and may give talks, posters, and webinars in support of marketing activities. The incumbent will work closely with cross-functional representatives from other departments on new product development projects and will participate in or lead cross-functional product development teams. Performance will be evaluated with respect to the quality and rigor of project design and execution, adherence to timelines, productivity, and contribution to the team and organizational goals. The Scientist may mentor/supervise staff and is expected to lead by example.

This position must work and think independently; the duties of this position are to be completed under administrative guidance. Decision making is a component of this position, and decisions have an impact on the overall success of the R&D team. Functions are to be completed in a timely manner with acceptable quality.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for inception and execution of product development projects within the Micro R&D Department, including initial design, feasibility testing, development, troubleshooting, and tech transfer.
• Development of robust SOPs for tech transfer of new and/or improved methods to Operations and support of projects through successful tech transfer.
• Initiate, direct, and execute assigned scientific research. Design studies and conduct experimental research and investigations to explore and support scientific discovery and development.
• Plan and execute laboratory research. Carry out routine tasks. Troubleshoot technical problems, data analysis and test methods, and document corrective action.
• Investigate the feasibility of applying scientific principles and concepts to potential inventions, products, and problems.
• Record, analyze, and interpret study data.
• Develop research documentation, such as protocols, reports, presentations, publications, manuscripts, and/or summaries.
• Anticipates technical risks and develops mitigation strategies that ensure the projects are executed with full scientific rigor and deliver robust products and tech transfer protocols and processes that are on-time, on-budget, and to specification.
• Develops appropriate application data to support posters at scientific conferences, webinars, website content, IP filings, and other needs, as appropriate.
• Remains current with knowledge in relevant scientific fields and brings new product development ideas into the pipeline, and monitors new product introduction of key competitors.
• Explores technologies, approaches, and intellectual properties that would improve products and product convenience, stability, productivity, and margin.
• Identifies and establishes working relationships with external Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) to help determine the voice of customers (VOC), drive product specifications, and provide early product performance data.
• Will participate on and/or lead product development Core Teams.
• May informally or formally mentor or supervise junior staff and develop and enforce performance management goals and metrics.
• Manage activities efficiently and effectively to meet projects’ timelines and performance requirements in alignment with team and corporate goals.
• Ensure the quality standards and scientific integrity in research activities are maintained.

Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or other related disciplines with 2-5 years' experience
• Product development experience in an ISO 9001 industrial setting is highly preferred. Experience in molecular diagnostics and in particular infectious disease diagnostics is highly desirable. Bioinformatics knowledge and skills are preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge and hands-on expertise in molecular biology, including but not limited to PCR, RT-PCR, ddPCR, DNA and RNA isolation, advanced molecular cloning. techniques, molecular probe techniques and sequence modifications.
• Hands-on experience in analytical assay design and development.
• Knowledge/experience in molecular testing and diagnostics.
• Current knowledge of microbial genomics and bioinformatics tools and resources including search and alignment tools.
• Strong work ethic and an attitude of personal ownership, leadership, and accountability for the success of a program.
• Demonstrated ability to think innovatively, creatively, and to exercise sound scientific judgment.
• Attentive to detail with a high level of accuracy, strong project planning, troubleshooting, and time management skills.
• Seeks, learns, and applies new skills/knowledge to perform job responsibilities.
• Ability to efficiently multi-task and appropriately prioritize projects.
• Strong problem-solving skills to identify, evaluate, and correct potential problems early.
• Self-starter, motivated and focused; ability to work independently as well as part of a team effort.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including excellent listening skills and presentation skills to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively.
• Ability to build and maintain strong internal and external relationships.
• Strong computer skills using Microsoft Office and other scientific software.
• Adaptable; be able to shift priorities and focus as departmental and/or business demands change including, but not limited to early/late hours and/or weekend hours.
• Follow all company safety practices, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and policies.