Research Associate II, OEM/Special Projects

LGC; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 37,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Bonus program

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) matching

Flexible work options

PTO and life insurance

Job summary

LGC’s Clinical Diagnostics Division develops and manufactures diagnostic solutions for IVD applications. The Research Associate II supports molecular diagnostic product development, performing routine and non-routine lab procedures to quantify and modify genetic material, while maintaining documentation and contributing to project objectives.

The role requires hands-on molecular biology skills, experience with PCR, aseptic techniques, and collaboration across teams to ensure quality and timely

Qualifications

• Master's or Bachelor's with relevant lab experience.
• Experience with DNA/RNA purification and PCR techniques.
• Experience with sterile techniques and documentation in GMP/ISO environments.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and non-routine molecular biology experiments to quantify and characterize genetic material.
• Maintain accurate lab notebooks and analyze data to meet project milestones.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support product development and verification activities.

Skills

Molecular biology

PCR techniques

Aseptic technique

MS Office

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in Biochemistry

Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry

Tools

SAP

IFS

Microsoft Dynamics

Job description

LGC’s Clinical Diagnostics Division develops and manufactures a comprehensive portfolio of catalog and custom-developed diagnostic quality solutions and component materials for the extended life sciences industry. We partner with IVD assay developers, and pharmaceutical, CRO and academic institutions in commercialization activities across the entire diagnostic pipeline - from concept and early stage research, through expedited product development and onwards into routine clinical use. Laboratorians and diagnostic professionals across disciplines of clinical chemistry, immunochemistry, serology, molecular diagnostics and clinical genomics rely on LGC’s products to support accurate and reliable diagnostic results.

Our operating entities include SeraCare Life Sciences and Maine Standards Company, which are in vitro diagnostics (IVD) manufacturers of quality measurement tools (calibrators, controls, linearity, EQA/PT, biological materials) and the Native Antigen Company, which is a manufacturer and supplier of viral antigens. Our 300+ employees operate FDA-registered and ISO 13485-accredited facilities in Maine, Massachusetts and Maryland, USA, and an ISO 9001-accredited facility in Oxford, UK.

Each day, our world-class staff, scientific expertise, operational efficiency and superior quality systems are ready to support the range of advanced technologies that collectively improve patient outcomes - from the widely adopted and established through to cutting-edge NGS and precision diagnostics.

Job Description

The Research Associate II, OEM/Special Projects supports the research, development, verification, and optimization of molecular diagnostic products, reagents, and associated processes. This role independently performs routine and non‑routine laboratory procedures utilizing cellular and molecular biology techniques to quantify, characterize, and manipulate genetic material. The position is responsible for executing assigned experiments, maintaining accurate documentation, analyzing experimental data, and contributing to project objectives within established timelines. The Research Associate II works with moderate supervision, applies scientific knowledge to troubleshoot routine technical challenges, and collaborates effectively with cross-functional teams to support product development activities.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biological Sciences, or a related scientific discipline with no prior experience required; OR Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biological Sciences, or a related scientific discipline with relevant laboratory experience
• Experience in Molecular Biology related activities such DNA/RNA Purification, PCR (endpoint, real time PCR or digital PCR), DNA/RNA electrophoresis and DNA/RNA processing and/or modifications
• First‑hand experience with aseptic techniques
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Demonstrated communication skills, with the ability to communicate in various formats to internal teams

Desired Knowledge and Qualifications:

• 3+ years of relevant laboratory experience
• Experience working on third party customer product development and manufacturing
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and viral cultures
• Experience guiding or training research associates on established procedures
• Experience in performing data interpretation/analysis after project execution for team review
• Proficiency in ERP systems such as IFS, SAP, or Microsoft Dynamics
• Experience handling products under ISO13485 quality management system
• Experience working in GMP environment, following SOPs, generating customer facing documents and documentation for QA review and approval

Behavioural and Interpersonal Competencies:

• Resonate and operate in line with LGC’s core value behaviors: Passion, Curiosity, Integrity, Brilliance, and Respect
• Ability to work well in a team environment, willingness to adapt to changes and a proven ability to exert influence in a directive and positive manner
• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment
• Demonstrated autonomy: ability to self‑start and drive while recognizing the appropriate time for stakeholder engagement
• Adaptable and willing to take on multiple new tasks and responsibilities while managing and prioritizing multiple tasks within a dynamic work environment
• Ability to perform preliminary data interpretation and analysis and communicate results effectively
• Strong organizational, planning, and documentation skills
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet established timelines
• Strong problem‑solving and troubleshooting abilities
• Commitment to maintaining laboratory safety, quality, and regulatory compliance standards

Additional Information

The typical pay range for this role is:

Minimum: $27.00 USD per hour

Maximum: $41.00 USD per hour

Entry level candidates and those who are already proficient and bring relevant experience typically fall between $27.00 per hour and $30.00 per hour.

New hires receive the hourly rate between the minimum and maximum of the range, with the amount offered determined by factors such as internal equity, education, previous experience, skills relevant to the position.

This position is eligible for a discretionary bonus program. Participation in the bonus program is not guaranteed, and bonuses are awarded at the discretion of the company based on individual and company performance results.

What we offer (US based-employees):

• Competitive compensation with strong bonus program
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits for employees and dependents
• FSA/HSA Pre‑tax savings plans for health care, childcare, and elder care
• Deductible Buffer Insurance and Critical Illness Insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with matching employer contribution
• Company‑paid short‑ and long‑ term disability, life insurance, and employee assistance program
• Flexible work options
• Pet Insurance for our furry friends
• Enhanced Parental leave of 8 additional weeks
• PTO that begins immediately
• Town Hall monthly meeting onsite/virtual, Cheer program where employees are recognized for outstanding work, Companywide social events, frequent catered lunches and much more!

LGC strongly believes that every job applicant and employee should be valued for their individual talents regardless of age, disability, race, color, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion, or belief. Short listing, interviewing and selection will always be carried out without regard to gender, sexual orientation, marital status, color, race, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, age, or trade union membership.

For more information about LGC, please visit our website www.lgcgroup.com

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