Associate Scientist

Secant Group, LLC; Telford (PA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO

Health Insurance

401k with company match

Company Paid Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability

Job summary

Secant Group, LLC is seeking an Associate Scientist in Telford, PA, responsible for characterizing cell-based interactions with innovative materials. The role requires a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field and 1-3 years of experience in cell culture. Candidates should have skills in data analysis and familiarity with biological lab equipment. The position offers generous PTO, health insurance, and a 401k plan with company match.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years practical experience with cell culture and conducting cell-based assays.
• Experience with small scale cell expansion technologies.
• Proficient with aseptic cell culture techniques for adherent and suspension cells.

Responsibilities

• Develops and assesses biomaterials and polymers for gene delivery and cell-based therapies.
• Generates and analyzes data using in vitro cellular and biochemical assays.
• Communicates technical information regarding project status to supervisors.

Skills

Cell culture techniques

Biochemistry

Data analysis

Fluorescence microscopy

Flow cytometry

Education

Bachelor or MS Degree in Biomaterials, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering

Tools

Flow cytometer

Fluorescence microscope

Cell counter

Plate reader assays (ELISA)

Job description

This Associate Scientist role is responsible for the characterization of cell-based interactions with Secant Group poly(glycerol ester) technologies under the supervision of senior level scientists as part of Secant’s Research team in Telford, PA. The scientist should have knowledge of commonly used instrumentation, concepts, analytical methods and biologic handling procedures associated with cell biology and biomedical engineering. Will also have daily exposure to a biological lab environment and will have occasional exposure to chemical labs, manufacturing environments, and environmentally controlled rooms.

What you will do:

• Works with Secant Group scientists to develop and assess biomaterials and polymers for use as gene delivery reagents, cell-based therapies, and as components in cell processing and viral manufacturing applications.
• Improves scientific understanding of Secant Group materials impact on the maintenance, expansion, differentiation, activation, and transfection of various cell types and helps develop new assessment methods for characterizing cell response.
• Generates and analyzes data relevant to the characterization of various cell types using in vitro cellular and biochemical assays such as ELISA, cytokine detection kits, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, live cell imaging, fixed cell imaging, and luminescence-based assays.
• Characterize changes in Secant Group materials performance as a function of storage conditions.
• Perform experiments to better understand how Secant Group materials interact with biological surfaces.
• Generates data used for external-facing technical presentations, communications with commercial partners, and as part of SOWs.
• Usage and maintenance of standard biological lab equipment such as biological safety cabinets, cell counters, fluorescence microscopes, plate readers, centrifuges, and flow cytometers.
• Clearly communicates technical information and project status to supervisor and colleagues through written and verbal manner.
• Presents research findings at weekly group meetings, through white papers, and at conferences.
• Accurately and thoroughly documents procedures and results using laboratory notebooks, protocols & reports, records and databases.
• Collaborates with colleagues on laboratory techniques, sample preparation, experimental design, instrumentation, data analysis and documentation.
• Helps manage laboratory inventory.
• Responsible for daily and weekly upkeep of biological lab equipment and cell inventories.
• Provides support towards the development of Secant Group Intellectual Property through supporting experimentation, identification of potential new technologies, and generation of invention disclosures in accordance with Secant Groups IP policies.
• Develops work instructions, S.O.P.’s and other testing methods for cell-material analysis.
• Follows all applicable Secant Group test methods, work instructions, S.O.P.’s and guidelines.

Who you are:

• Bachelor or MS Degree in the fields of Biomaterials, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or equivalent.
• 1-3 years related practical experience with cell culture and performing cell-based assays.
• Experience with small scale cell expansion technologies such as culture flasks, multi-well plates, and bioreactors.
• Proficient with aseptic cell culture techniques for both adherent and suspension cells.
• Practical experience with cell culture related tools such as fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, plate reader assays including ELISAs, and cell counters.
• Has basic experience with processes related to cell cryopreservation, selection, activation, expansion, and/or transfection of cells.
• Practical experience with nanoparticle characterization equipment such as DLS and zeta potential.
• Prior work experience in a regulated environment (ISO 9001, 13485 and QSR Standards) a plus.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel. Experience with image analysis software and flow cytometry analysis software a plus.
• Detail oriented, organized, hands‑on with drive for solving problems in a timely manner.
• Accurately analyze data generated by various analytical and physical testing instrumentation.
• Solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

What we offer:

• Generous PTO
• Health Insurance: Medical with Rx plan / Dental / Vision
• 401k (retirement savings) with excellent company match
• Company Paid Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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