Associate Scientist

Meso Scale Diagnostics LLC; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 78,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) matching

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Parental leave

Job summary

Meso Scale Diagnostics LLC in Gaithersburg, MD, is seeking a scientist to design and execute experiments for reagent and assay development. The role focuses on leading-edge biomarker measurements with minimal supervision, advancing research objectives and robust data analysis.

You will work in a laboratory environment, applying immunoassay techniques, data analysis, and collaboration to drive product development and technology maturation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in life sciences or related field is required.
• Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of four years of related laboratory experience is required, including hands-on laboratory work.
• Experience with running antibody-based assays and reagent development is required.
• Training in and experience with Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) techniques is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Designs and executes experiments with minimal supervision and troubleshoots issues as needed.
• Analyzes data and prepares clear presentations with summaries and recommendations for next steps.
• Leads and participates in general lab maintenance and inventory management.
• May monitor and report on the infrastructure of a lab or functional area as assigned.
• Specific duties may vary depending upon departmental requirements.

Skills

Analytical skills

Immunoassay knowledge

Data analysis

Microsoft Excel

Statistics

Lab safety

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Independent work

BSL-2 techniques

Education

Bachelor's degree in life sciences or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

GraphPad Prism

SharePoint

MS Excel

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is responsible for designing and executing experiments and analyzing the resulting data in support of reagent and assay development projects with minimal supervision. This is a laboratory-based position responsible for advancing research and/or development objectives focused on leading-edge biomarker measurements and technology.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Designs and executes experiments, implements plans and performs troubleshooting with minimal supervision, and implements solutions to issues as needed.
• Analyzes data using spreadsheets and graphing software. Prepares clear and concise presentations, including thoughtful summaries and recommendations for next steps. Presents to peer and supervisor review groups.
• Leads and participates in general lab maintenance initiatives including but not limited to maintaining laboratory supplies and equipment, maintaining electronic inventory list database, physical inventory, processing/aliquotting/vialing/labeling materials, and preparing and maintaining reagent inventories.
• May be selected to monitor and report on the infrastructure of a particular lab or functional area.
• Specific duties may vary depending upon departmental requirements.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in life sciences, or related area is required.
• Master's degree is preferred.
• A minimum of four (4) years of related work experience is required, including hands‑on laboratory experience.
• Experience with running antibody‑based assays, developing reagents and product development is required.
• Training in and experience with Biosafety Level 2 (BSL‑2) techniques is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong knowledge of scientific fundamentals with an analytical background.
• Advanced knowledge of immunoassay technology.
• Demonstrated aptitude for learning of and adhering to standard laboratory techniques and safety precautions.
• Solid communication (written and verbal) skills regardless of the format (e.g., documents, public speaking situations, presentations, etc.).
• Excellent organizational, planning, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple and often changing priorities and issues of varying complexity, while meeting time-sensitive deadlines and deliverables.
• Attention to detail with demonstrated commitment to excellence and performance.
• Demonstrated propensity to be creative, collaborative, proactive, and self‑motivated in the execution and completion of assigned tasks.
• Ability to work both independently and as an effective team member.
• Ability to execute complex experiments and to identify issues and propose/execute troubleshooting.
• Strong data analysis skills. Proficient in MS Excel. Knowledge of GraphPad Prism and SharePoint is a plus. Working knowledge of statistics.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the duties of this job, the individual is frequently required to sit and stand for long periods. The individual is occasionally required to walk; use hands and fingers to operate, handle, or feel objects, tools, and controls; reach with hands and arms.
• Up to 75 % of the day may be spent at a lab bench.
• There are aspects of the position's duties that require a person in this role to work at heights above four (4) feet on occasion and move/lift up to 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Laboratory environment working with chemical reagents and performing some Biosafety Level 2 work.
• May involve handling of BSL-2 materials and organisms including human blood and/or blood products.

COMPENSATION SUMMARY

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $78,100. to $116,200. This salary range represents a general guideline as MSD considers other factors when presenting an offer of employment, such as scope and responsibilities of the position, external market factors, and the candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, education and experience. Employees may qualify for a discretionary or non-discretionary bonus in addition to their base salary. These annual bonuses are intended to recognize individual performance and enable employees to benefit from the Company’s overall success.

BENEFITS SUMMARY

At MSD, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well‑being and financial security. In addition to competitive salaries, our benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with prescription benefits. We provide a 401(k) plan with company matching, flexible spending accounts, and company‑paid short‑and‑long‑term disability insurance as well as group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Our offerings also encompass paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, and paid parental leave, along with an employee assistance program. Additional voluntary perks include a fitness club membership contribution, pet insurance, identity theft protection, home and auto insurance discounts, and optional supplemental life insurance.

EEO/AA STATEMENT

MSD is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, age, protected veteran status, pregnancy, disability status, or any other protected characteristic. For our full EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit here.

Meso Scale Diagnostics uses E‑Verify to validate the work eligibility of candidates.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.