Associate Scientist - Cell Bank

About the role

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

The Responsible Cell Bank Operations serves as the central owner of the Oncology Discovery cell bank in Spring House and its supporting data, quality, and compliance processes. The role ensures that research teams have timely access to authenticated, contamination-free, traceable, and legally cleared cell lines while maintaining accurate inventories, standardized workflows, and effective coordination across internal functions and external partners.

Cell Bank Inventory and Data Management

• Serve as the central point of contact for cell bank access and daily cryogenic operations, coordinating cell line intake, storage, replenishment, and capacity management.
• Maintain accurate, aligned digital records for vial locations, stock levels, batches, reservations, provenance, biological characteristics, culture information, modifications, and supporting documentation.
• Register and link parental and engineered cell lines, support data migrations and system transitions, and maintain templates, request forms, work instructions, training materials, and data standards.
• Resolve inventory, system, and data-quality issues with researchers and other stakeholders while preserving material traceability.

Quality Control, Compliance, and Logistics

• Own routine mycoplasma testing and coordinate authentication of cell lines.
• Investigate contamination, misidentification, or discrepant results and take corrective action as needed.
• Maintain complete, up-to-date cell line licensing records, proactively addressing documentation gaps and upcoming expirations with Legal, RAP, Procurement, and other partners.
• Support compliant ordering, receipt, and shipment of cell lines by verifying internal availability, approvals, stock, and required documentation, and by coordinating with Biobank, logistics providers, Trade Compliance, Procurement, and receiving sites.

Research Support and Continuous Improvement

• Partner with Oncology Discovery teams to prioritize cell line needs and advise on registration, banking, testing, ordering, and shipment workflows.
• Provide subject-matter guidance, troubleshooting, and training while coordinating with internal services, other sites, external banks, laboratories, vendors, and logistics partners.
• Improve workflows, data quality, user adoption, and operational resilience by addressing recurring issues and standardizing practices.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in biological sciences, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline, with relevant laboratory or research-operations experience.

Experience

• Practical knowledge of cell line handling and quality control, biological inventory and data systems, and documentation requirements for provenance, licensing, purchasing, and compliant material sharing.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple time-sensitive requests across teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey scientific, operational, and compliance information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong working relationships and collaborate effectively across a broad network of scientific, legal, operational, and external partners.

Key Competencies

• Scientific rigor and data integrity
• Operational ownership and accountability
• Quality and compliance mindset
• Stakeholder management and service orientation
• Structured problem-solving and continuous improvement
• Prioritization, planning, and reliable follow-through
• Clear documentation and knowledge sharing

Benefits

Health & Wellness

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Wellness programs
• Eligible for medical coverage starting Day 1

Time Off

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Company-paid holidays
• Choice holidays

Financial Well-Being

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Commuter benefits
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Tuition assistance
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan discount

Education

• Tuition assistance

Pay

Salary range: $72,000 - $78,000

Schedule

Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm (flexibility required based on business needs)