Principal Scientist

ClinLab Solutions Group; Maryland; On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

ClinLab Solutions Group in Frederick County, Maryland seeks a Principal Scientist to lead and mentor laboratory teams, designing and implementing advanced cell-based assays. The role focuses on flow cytometry leadership, SOP development, and high-quality data generation for client communications and publications.

The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. with 8+ years in a core lab, strong experience in flow cytometry and ELISpot, and demonstrated project leadership and collaboration with management.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in life sciences or a relevant field (prefer Immunology or Cellular Biology).
• At least 8 years of full-time post-doctoral laboratory experience.
• Strong bench scientist skills in cell-based assays with hands-on flow cytometry experience; ELISpot and other assays preferred.
• Proficiency in standard biology techniques including cell isolation and primary cell-based assays.
• Experience with cell sorting, troubleshooting, client relationships, and managing project timelines.
• Experience with validation/qualification of assays per CAP/CLIA/GLP or ISO guidelines.
• Strong organizational and communication skills with experience generating technical reports.
• Fluency in reading, writing, and speaking English.
• 10-15+ years’ experience in a core lab with leadership over a flow cytometry team is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Mentor, coach, and train laboratory team members and collaborate with leaders to ensure efficient lab operations.
• Design and implement complex cell-based assays, including flow immunophenotyping and primary cell-based assays.
• Develop and implement SOPs to ensure regulatory compliance and high-quality assay performance.
• Perform cell assays using established SOPs and troubleshoot issues as needed.
• Generate technical reports, posters, papers, and white papers for clients, conferences, and journals.
• Train staff in laboratory procedures, data review, and presentations, ensuring safety.
• Track and analyze laboratory efficiency and quality metrics to maintain a safe and productive environment.
• Advise management on key scientific and operational matters, staying current with industry trends.

Skills

Leadership & mentoring

Cell-based assay design

Scientific reporting

Project management

Communication

English fluency

Analytical thinking

Troubleshooting

Education

Ph.D. in life sciences or related field (Immunology/Cellular Biology preferred)

Tools

Flow cytometry

ELISpot

Cell sorting

Job description

Job Title: Job Title: Principal Scientist

Work Location: Frederick County, Maryland

Summary:

Seeking an experienced scientist to lead and mentor laboratory teams, design and implement advanced cell-based assays, and drive technical excellence in flow cytometry and related methodologies. This role requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and the ability to communicate scientific findings through reports, publications, and presentations.

Responsibilities:

• Mentor, coach, and train laboratory team members, set priorities, and collaborate with other leaders to ensure efficient lab operations.
• Design and implement complex cell-based assays, including flow immunophenotyping and primary cell-based assays, tailored to project requirements.
• Develop, write, and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure regulatory compliance and high-quality assay performance.
• Perform cell assays using established SOPs, such as flow immunophenotyping and ELISpot, and troubleshoot technical issues as needed.
• Generate technical reports, posters, papers, and white papers for client communications, conferences, and peer-reviewed journals.
• Train scientific and technical staff in laboratory procedures, data review, and presentation, ensuring competency and adherence to safety standards.
• Track and analyze laboratory efficiency and quality metrics, maintaining a safe and productive work environment.
• Act as a technical expert and thought leader, staying current with industry trends and advising management on key scientific and operational matters.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in life sciences or a relevant field (preferably Immunology or Cellular Biology).
• At least 8 years of full-time post-doctoral laboratory experience.
• Strong bench scientist skills in cell-based assays, with hands‑on flow cytometry experience required; experience with ELISpot and other cell-based assays preferred.
• Proficiency in standard biology laboratory techniques, including cell isolation and primary cell-based assays.
• Experience with cell sorting, troubleshooting, client relationships, and managing project timelines.
• Experience in validation/qualification of assays to CAP/CLIA/GLP or ISO guidelines.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with experience generating technical reports.
• Ability to differentiate colors across the full spectrum and meet physical requirements (lifting, dexterity, exposure to cold environments).
• Fluency in reading, writing, and speaking English.
• 10-15+ years’ experience in a core laboratory with leadership responsibilities over a flow cytometry team preferred.
• Industrial experience and/or management of external collaborations is desirable.
• Experience with viral infections, cell culture, cell line derivation, nucleic acid extraction from primary human samples, and nucleic acid characterization techniques preferred.

Work Location: Frederick County, Maryland

Summary:

Seeking an experienced scientist to lead and mentor laboratory teams, design and implement advanced cell-based assays, and drive technical excellence in flow cytometry and related methodologies. This role requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and the ability to communicate scientific findings through reports, publications, and presentations.

Responsibilities:

• Mentor, coach, and train laboratory team members, set priorities, and collaborate with other leaders to ensure efficient lab operations.
• Design and implement complex cell-based assays, including flow immunophenotyping and primary cell-based assays, tailored to project requirements.
• Develop, write, and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure regulatory compliance and high-quality assay performance.
• Perform cell assays using established SOPs, such as flow immunophenotyping and ELISpot, and troubleshoot technical issues as needed.
• Generate technical reports, posters, papers, and white papers for client communications, conferences, and peer-reviewed journals.
• Train scientific and technical staff in laboratory procedures, data review, and presentation, ensuring competency and adherence to safety standards.
• Track and analyze laboratory efficiency and quality metrics, maintaining a safe and productive work environment.
• Act as a technical expert and thought leader, staying current with industry trends and advising management on key scientific and operational matters.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in life sciences or a relevant field (preferably Immunology or Cellular Biology).
• At least 8 years of full-time post-doctoral laboratory experience.
• Strong bench scientist skills in cell-based assays, with hands‑on flow cytometry experience required; experience with ELISpot and other cell-based assays preferred.
• Proficiency in standard biology laboratory techniques, including cell isolation and primary cell-based assays.
• Experience with cell sorting, troubleshooting, client relationships, and managing project timelines.
• Experience in validation/qualification of assays to CAP/CLIA/GLP or ISO guidelines.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with experience generating technical reports.
• Ability to differentiate colors across the full spectrum and meet physical requirements (lifting, dexterity, exposure to cold environments).
• Fluency in reading, writing, and speaking English.
• 10-15+ years’ experience in a core laboratory with leadership responsibilities over a flow cytometry team preferred.
• Industrial experience and/or management of external collaborations is desirable.
• Experience with viral infections, cell culture, cell line derivation, nucleic acid extraction from primary human samples, and nucleic acid characterization techniques preferred.