Research Associate

SPECTRAFORCE; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SPECTRAFORCE in the United States is seeking a Laboratory Scientist to design and execute experimental protocols, analyze data, and prepare technical documentation within GMP/GLP-compliant practices.

The role involves training colleagues, maintaining meticulous records, and contributing to project strategies while working with cross-functional teams in a regulated environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Science required.
• 4 years of relevant job experience required.
• Knowledge of a wide range of experimental techniques and their applications.
• Capable of searching scientific literature for information.
• Proficient with word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software.

Responsibilities

• Designs a wide range of experimental protocols and experiments.
• Executes bench experiments and analyzes data.
• Prepares technical reports, summaries, and quantitative analyses.
• Maintains complete and accurate laboratory records.
• Identifies and implements improvements to lab processes and environment.
• Trains others in areas of expertise and shares knowledge.
• Documents activities for publications or patent potential.
• Collaborates in cross-functional technical teams on investigations.

Skills

Experimental techniques

Literature search

Office software (Word/Excel/PowerPoint

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Science

Job description

• Responsible for conducting research, development and manufacturing laboratory experimentation and other scientific activities to support projects.
• Exercises technical expertise and discretion in the design, execution and interpretation of experiments that contribute to project strategies. Prepares technical reports, summaries, protocols and quantitative analyses. Presents and discusses results of experiments within department and project team. Maintains high level of professional expertise through familiarity with scientific literature and may participate in conferences and professional societies. Follows company policies and procedures for GMP, GLP, Design Control and others as appropriate. Maintains complete and accurate laboratory documentation and electronic files. May act as principal investigator in conducting own experiments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Designs a wide range of experimental protocols.
• Executes bench experiments; makes detailed and general observations and analyzes data.
• Prepares technical reports, summaries and quantitative analyses.
• Maintains complete and accurate records.
• Normally receives general directions on routine and new assignments.
• Identifies and implements improvements to work processes and laboratory environment.
• Recognized expert for area of expertise.
• Recognizes and documents activities for publication and/or patent potential.
• Works on complex problems in which analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of various factors.
• Exercises judgment within broadly defined practices and policies in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.
• Participates in cross functional technical teams such as a failure investigation or core team.
• Works well in a team environment by being a productive project team member, suggesting creative solutions to problems and providing input to project planning.
• Establishes interfaces across other organizational groups.
• Trains others in areas of expertise.
• Troubleshoots problems and institutes corrective action.
• Prepares and presents experimental procedures and results in group and project teams.
• Monitors work to ensure quality, and continuously promote Quality First Time.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

Qualification & Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Science. (Required)
• 4 years relevant job experience.
• Knows wide range of experimental techniques and skilled in their applications. (Required)
• Capable with searching scientific literature to gain general and specific information. (Required)
• Skilled with use of word processing, spreadsheets, graphical and presentation software applications. (Required)
• ? The "Real" Hiring Need (No Corporate Fluff)
• The Simple Gist: This person runs lab experiments from design to data analysis. They write reports, keep perfect records, and help solve tricky problems on research projects. They also train others and improve how the lab works.
• The Real-World Analogy: Think of this role like a senior detective in a crime lab who designs the tests, runs them carefully, figures out what the results mean, and teaches the junior detectives while documenting everything for court.
• Why This Role is Open: [AI INFERENCE] Standard project support need for ongoing research, development, and manufacturing lab work.
• The "Selling Point": Opportunity to act as a recognized expert, potentially contribute to publications or patents, and work on complex problems with cross-functional teams.
• GMP: Good Manufacturing Practice - Strict rules that ensure lab and production work is consistent, safe, and meets quality standards. Like a recipe that must be followed exactly every time.
• GLP: Good Laboratory Practice - Quality system for non-clinical lab studies that protects data integrity and reliability. Think of it as the official rulebook for how experiments must be recorded.
• Design Control: Formal process used in regulated product development to plan, document, and verify that a product meets requirements. Similar to a construction blueprint review at every stage.
• Bench Experiments: Hands-on lab work performed at the laboratory bench using instruments and reagents. The practical "doing" part of science rather than just planning.
• Principal Investigator: The scientist who takes primary responsibility for designing and overseeing their own experiments. Like being the lead chef on a dish instead of just a line cook.
• Failure Investigation: Structured process to find the root cause when something goes wrong in a process or experiment. Equivalent to a detailed post-mortem after a system breakdown.
• Core Team: Cross-functional group of experts assigned to a specific project. Similar to a SWAT team pulled together for a high-priority mission.

At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws.