Research Associate 1

Scorpion Therapeutics; United States; Remote; USD 50,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a motivated Research Associate 1 to enhance their sample management team. This role involves overseeing biological sample integrity, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and supporting vital research projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in bio-sample management and data analysis, contributing to groundbreaking scientific research. Join a dynamic team where your contributions will directly impact the advancement of genetic testing and diagnostics, and be part of a mission that aims to transform healthcare through cutting-edge science.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical benefits

Dental and vision plans

401k benefits

Employee referral program

Free testing for employees and families

Pregnancy and baby bonding leave

Commuter benefits

Qualifications

• Strong background in bio-sample management and research methodologies.
• Experience in laboratory or biorepository settings focusing on sample management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee collection, preparation, and processing of biological samples.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and quality control.

Skills

Biological Sample Management

Data Analysis

Regulatory Compliance

Database Management

Excellent Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Troubleshooting

Laboratory Equipment Maintenance

SQL

Python

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences

Tools

FreezerPro

LabArchives

LabWare

Snowflake based database

LIMS

Job description

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Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Associate 1 to join our dynamic team in sample management. In this role, you will be responsible for the management of biological samples, ensuring their integrity, overseeing quality control, and supporting research projects that rely on biological specimens. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in bio-sample management, research methodologies, and data analysis, with an interest in contributing to cutting-edge scientific research.

Responsibilities

Sample Collection and Processing

• Oversee the collection, preparation, and processing of biological samples (e.g., blood, tissue, saliva, DNA) in accordance with established protocols and best practices.
• Maintain proper documentation and labeling of samples, ensuring traceability from collection to storage.

Sample Storage and Management

• Ensure proper storage conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity) for various types of biological samples, including cryopreservation and ambient storage.
• Implement inventory management procedures to track and organize samples, utilizing database systems and laboratory management software (e.g., FreezerPro, LabArchives).
• Ensure the samples are appropriately cataloged and accessible to researchers in a timely manner.

Database Management and Data Analysis

• Manage and update the sample database, ensuring accuracy and compliance with sample tracking and research needs.
• Assist in data analysis and reporting, including the creation of sample inventory reports and performance metrics.
• Collaborate with the research team to retrieve and prepare data for research publications or grant proposals.

Regulatory Compliance and Quality Control

• Monitor and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including HIPAA, IRB guidelines, and biorepository-specific SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures).
• Implement quality control procedures to ensure sample integrity and that all processes meet accreditation standards (e.g., CAP, ISO, CLIA).
• Assist in preparing for audits and inspections, ensuring documentation and records are up to date.

Collaboration with Researchers

• Work closely with internal and external research teams to understand sample requirements, providing expert guidance on sample availability, quality, and suitable use.
• Support researchers by preparing and distributing biological samples for experiments and studies.
• Provide expertise in biorepository protocols, best practices for sample handling, and troubleshooting of issues related to sample collection or storage.

Research Support

• Assist in the design and execution of research projects involving the biorepository’s sample collection and management processes.
• Contribute to scientific publications, presentations, and other research outputs, providing data and insights from biorepository-managed samples.

Continuous Improvement and Training

• Proactively identify areas for process improvement in sample management and recommend strategies to enhance operational efficiency.
• Stay current with advancements in biorepository management, bio sample storage technology, and related regulatory guidelines.
• Mentor and train junior staff or technicians in best practices in sample handling and database management.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.

Experience

• 0-2 years of experience in a laboratory or biorepository setting, with a focus on sample management, biospecimen processing, and quality assurance.
• Familiarity with biorepository software and data management tools (e.g., FreezerPro, LabArchives, LabWare, Snowflake based database, LIMS) is highly desirable.

Skills

• Strong understanding of biological sample management, including tissue processing, cryopreservation, DNA/RNA extraction, and cell culture.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance (HIPAA, GxP, CLIA, IRB).
• Proficiency in data analysis and database management (e.g., Excel, SPSS, R).
• Excellent organizational skills with keen attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical issues and provide practical solutions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with researchers and other staff.
• Experience with laboratory equipment (e.g., freezers, liquid nitrogen tanks, centrifuges) and ensuring proper calibration and maintenance.
• Experience in SQL, Python is a plus.

Working Conditions

This position involves working in a controlled laboratory environment with exposure to biological samples, chemicals, and laboratory equipment. Candidates must adhere to strict biosafety protocols and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as required. An occasional evening, weekend, or holiday.

OUR OPPORTUNITY

Natera is a global leader in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, dedicated to oncology, women’s health, and organ health. Our aim is to make personalized genetic testing and diagnostics part of the standard of care to protect health and enable earlier and more targeted interventions that lead to longer, healthier lives.

The Natera team consists of highly dedicated statisticians, geneticists, doctors, laboratory scientists, business professionals, software engineers, and many other professionals from world-class institutions, who care deeply for our work and each other. When you join Natera, you’ll work hard and grow quickly. Working alongside the elite of the industry, you’ll be stretched and challenged, and take pride in being part of a company that is changing the landscape of genetic disease management.

What We Offer

• Competitive Benefits - Employee benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans for eligible employees and their dependents.
• Additionally, Natera employees and their immediate families receive free testing in addition to fertility care benefits.
• Other benefits include pregnancy and baby bonding leave, 401k benefits, commuter benefits and much more.
• We also offer a generous employee referral program!

For more information, visit www.natera.com.

Natera is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace environment and welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. Inclusive collaboration benefits our employees, our community and our patients, and is critical to our mission of changing the management of disease worldwide.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with applicable laws.

If you are based in California, we encourage you to read this important information for California residents.

Link: https://www.natera.com/notice-of-data-collection-california-residents/

Please be advised that Natera will reach out to candidates with a @natera.com email domain ONLY. Email communications from all other domain names are not from Natera or its employees and are fraudulent. Natera does not request interviews via text messages and does not ask for personal information until a candidate has engaged with the company and has spoken to a recruiter and the hiring team. Natera takes cyber crimes seriously and will collaborate with law enforcement authorities to prosecute any related cyber crimes.

For More Information

• BBB announcement on job scams
• FBI Cyber Crime resource page