Research Associate

MSD; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 59,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with company matching

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Paid parental leave

Employee assistance program

Job summary

MSD in Gaithersburg, MD, is seeking a candidate to execute experiments and analyze data supporting reagent and assay development. This laboratory-based role focuses on biomarker measurements and advancing research objectives under close supervision.

The position emphasizes strong fundamentals, attention to detail, and collaboration; responsibilities include maintaining lab inventory, following SOPs, and communicating findings through reports.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences or related area required.
• Master’s degree is a plus.
• Hands-on laboratory experience is highly desired, industry experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Executes experiments under close guidance using established protocols.
• Assists in data analysis and prepares reports/presentations.
• Maintains lab supplies, equipment, inventory databases, and reagent stocks.
• May monitor and report on lab infrastructure.
• Duties may vary depending on department requirements.

Skills

Analytical background

Immunoassay knowledge

Lab techniques & safety

Communication skills

Organization & time mgmt

Attention to detail

Creativity and collaboration

Experiment execution per SOPs

Data analysis (Excel/Prism/SharePoint)

Education

Bachelor's degree in life sciences

Master's degree a plus

Hands-on lab experience

Tools

GraphPad Prism

SharePoint

MS Excel

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for executing experiments and analyzing the resulting data in support of reagent and assay development projects with close 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:

• Executes experiments and implements plans under close guidance utilizing established protocols.
• Assists in data analysis and the preparation of experimental reports and/or presentations.
• 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 a plus.
• Hands-on laboratory experience is highly desired, industry experience is a plus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong knowledge of scientific fundamentals with an analytical background.
• Knowledge of immunoassay technology is a plus.
• 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.
• 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 execute experiments following protocols and/or SOPs.
• Basic data analysis skills. Knowledge of MS Excel, GraphPad Prism, and SharePoint is a plus.

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, or 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 $59,100. to $87,900. 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.

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