Research Associate

Actalent; Washington; In loco; USD 65.000 - 90.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

Actalent in New Haven, CT is hiring a Research Associate for Spatial Genomics Manufacturing. You will help produce microfluidic chips powering spatial biology and multi-omics discovery, supporting DBiT-seq platform workflows from sample prep to data generation.

The role is open to new graduates and early-career professionals who have relevant academic, internship, or industry experience and want to grow in a fast-paced biotech startup environment.

Competenze

• Hands-on experience with PCR/qPCR and sequencing workflows.
• Experience in tissue processing, histology, IHC, and imaging.
• Ability to document results meticulously and follow SOPs.
• Strong collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

Mansioni

• Perform precise pipetting and PCR/qPCR setup for microfluidic chip production.
• Prepare, mix, and QC reagent formulations for spatial genomics assays.
• Operate and maintain lab equipment per SOPs.
• Support QA activities including qPCR checks and sequencing validation.
• Maintain batch records and ensure traceability.
• Troubleshoot process deviations with ENG and R&D teams.
• Support scale-up and optimize workflows for higher throughput.
• Manage inventory of materials and consumables.
• Conduct tissue processing and IHC staining in spatial biology workflows.
• Apply knowledge of cellular biology and imaging to assay development.
• Perform qPCR and NGS library prep to generate data.
• Adhere to safety and GMP/ISO guidelines.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team including biologists and engineers.
• Contribute to platform development for unbiased multi-omics maps.

Conoscenze

Molecular biology

PCR/qPCR workflows

Histology & IHC

Imaging & microscopy

NGS library prep

Documentation & QC

Cross-functional collaboration

On-site work in CT

Strumenti

PCR

qPCR

NGS

Immunohistochemistry (IHC)

Immunofluorescence

Microfluidics

Tissue processing

Descrizione del lavoro

Job Description

Job Title: Research Associate – Spatial Genomics Manufacturing

This Research Associate – Spatial Genomics Manufacturing role offers the opportunity to join a rapidly growing biotech innovator at the forefront of spatial genomics. You will play a key role in producing next‑generation microfluidic chips that power high‑resolution spatial biology and multi‑omics discovery. In this position, you will directly support manufacturing for the DBiT‑seq (Deterministic Barcoding in Tissue for spatial‑omics sequencing) platform, a breakthrough technology that integrates microfluidics, PCR/qPCR, and next‑generation sequencing (NGS) to map tissue architecture with single‑cell precision. Your work will enable researchers and clinicians to uncover new insights into gene expression, disease mechanisms, and tissue biology, while you grow your skills in a fast‑paced startup environment. This role is open to new graduates and early‑career professionals with relevant academic, internship, or industry experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform precision pipetting, PCR/qPCR setup, and reagent handling to support microfluidic chip production for spatial‑omics workflows.
• Prepare, mix, and quality‑control reagent formulations used in spatial genomics and multi‑omics assays.
• Operate and maintain specialized laboratory and manufacturing equipment in accordance with established standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Contribute to quality assurance activities, including qPCR‑based performance checks, imaging assessments, and sequencing validation steps for manufactured consumables and assays.
• Maintain detailed documentation of batch records, reagent formulations, process parameters, and experimental data to ensure traceability and reproducibility.
• Troubleshoot process deviations and technical issues, collaborating closely with Engineering and R&D teams to drive continuous improvement in manufacturing processes.
• Support scale‑up efforts as manufacturing capacity expands, helping to optimize workflows and increase throughput.
• Manage inventory of raw materials, reagents, and consumables, ensuring consistent availability for production and experiments.
• Perform tissue processing and histological slide preparation for mammalian tissues as part of spatial biology workflows.
• Conduct immunohistochemical (IHC) and immunofluorescent staining on tissue samples to enable high‑content imaging and spatial analysis.
• Apply knowledge of cellular, functional, IHC, pathology applications, and imaging instrumentation to support assay development and data generation.
• Execute molecular biology and microscopy techniques, including qPCR and NGS library preparation, to generate high‑quality spatial‑omics data.
• Follow study and experimental designs, implement QC procedures, and accurately document results in laboratory notebooks and electronic systems.
• Collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team of biologists, chemists, physicists, computer scientists, and engineers to develop and refine the spatial discovery platform.
• Adhere to laboratory safety practices and guidelines while working in a regulated or quality‑controlled environment, such as GMP or ISO settings.
• Contribute to the development and commercialization of a novel spatial biology platform that combines NGS and microfluidics to create unbiased multi‑omics maps of tissue architecture.

Essential Skills

• Strong foundation in molecular biology and cell biology, including hands‑on experience with PCR, qPCR, and gene sequencing workflows.
• Practical experience with standard laboratory techniques such as precision pipetting, reagent preparation, sterile technique, and tissue culture.
• Understanding of next‑generation sequencing (NGS), proteomics, microfluidics, and assay development in a research or manufacturing setting.
• Familiarity with experimental design, quality control procedures, and rigorous data documentation practices.
• Deep experience with molecular biology and microscopy techniques, including qPCR and NGS library preparation.
• Experience in tissue processing, histological slide preparation, and immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent staining in mammalian tissues.
• Knowledge of a broad range of cellular and functional assays, IHC and pathology applications, and imaging instrumentation.
• Ability to work full‑time, on‑site in a laboratory environment in New Haven, CT.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to interface and colla