Associate Scientist

About the Role

In this role, you will report to the Scientific Services Supervisor and work closely with Avantor’s Lab and Production Services professionals to serve customers by performing customized, mission-based lab work and research protocols that help return time back to science.

Avantor’s Lab and Production Services team is a crucial part of the Avantor Services group, serving over 500 customers in biopharma, pharmaceutical, educational, industrial, and high-tech industries with customizable, flexible solutions and end-to-end laboratory operations support.

Responsibilities

• Efficiently handle and process human and animal samples while ensuring strict adherence to safety and procedural guidelines.
• Utilize the Miltenyi CliniMACS Prodigy to perform cell isolations.
• Operate flow cytometers (BD LSRFortessa, Miltenyi MACSQuant, BD FACSymphony, etc.) for basic and multiparametric flow cytometry.
• Demonstrate proficiency in flow cytometry, including sample preparation, acquisition, troubleshooting, and data analysis.
• Lead protein, nucleic acid, and cell inventory quality control (QC) and distribution.
• Implement procedures to maintain accurate sample information within the inventory management system, ensuring commitment to consistency and quality control.
• Facilitate transition of physical protein, cells, and nucleic acid inventory to automation-compatible vessels and release to end users as requested.
• Identify areas of improvement and deliver to stakeholders data-driven views of material resource usage.
• Evaluate the quality of protein, nucleic acid, and cell samples utilizing HPLC, FPLC, absorbance, gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, cell expression titer & sterility testing, NGS, and endotoxin testing.
• Analyze assay results to identify deviations and ensure material quality meets specified standards.
• Perform buffer exchange, formulate, or regenerate materials that are outside of desired specifications as needed.
• Prepare clear and concise documentation in laboratory notebooks with timely records of experiments, protocols, and observations.
• Maintain accurate records in Mosaic, SharePoint, and other tracking systems.
• Monitor and manage inventory, including logging new inventory, handling samples, fulfilling requests, processing returns, and performing data entry in the inventory management system.
• Manage and track cell pulls, including the inventory of cells stored in liquid nitrogen.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders regarding sample requests, handling, shipment, and tracking.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address any concerns or issues related to inventory and quality control.
• Perform routine maintenance and calibrations on flow cytometers and other equipment/instruments.
• Coordinate shipments and oversee monthly overhauls for the flow cytometers, including extensive cleaning and maintenance.
• Conduct deeper calibrations and order replacement parts as needed.
• Assist with daily lab operations and support various laboratory processes as needed.
• Participate in ongoing training to ensure compliance with customer and Avantor policies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline required.
• Minimum 2-3 years of direct laboratory experience required.
• Experience operating Miltenyi CliniMACS Prodigy, BD LSRFortessa, Miltenyi MACSQuant, and BD FACSymphony.
• Sample management and processing flow cytometry experience.
• Prodigy Superuser.
• Cell culture techniques and aseptic techniques.
• Evaluate the quality of protein, nucleic acid, and cell samples using techniques such as HPLC, FPLC, absorbance, gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, cell expression titer & sterility testing, NGS, and endotoxin testing.
• Hands-on experience supporting automated inventory systems, including preparation of protein, nucleic acid, and cell materials in automation-compatible formats.
• Maintaining reagent and materials.
• Good documentation practices (compliance, ELNs, etc.).
• Strong communication skills.

Skills

• Experience with Microsoft Teams preferred.
• Familiarity with Mosaic, FlowJo, Signals.

Benefits

• Health and Wellness: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Wellness programs.
• Time Off: Paid Time Off (PTO), company-paid holidays, choice holidays.
• Financial Well Being: Spending Accounts: Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Accounts (HSA), commuter benefits, 401(k), tuition assistance, employee stock purchase plan discount.
• Added Protection Coverage: Critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident, legal, identity theft protection, pet, auto, and home insurance.
• Recognition: Celebrate peers and earn points to redeem on gifts and products.

Pay

Annual Salary: $62,500 - $75,000

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 4 PM (hours may vary)

Location: Spring House, PA