Research Associate (T-cell/Cell Therapy)

Zenith LifeScience; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Zenith LifeScience in Santa Monica, CA seeks a Research Associate, Analytical Sciences to execute routine molecular and cell-based testing and to help characterize T cell therapy products. The role focuses on DNA/RNA extraction, dPCR, live cell imaging, and plate-based assays within a fast-paced analytical sciences team.

The candidate will contribute to lab operations, document work in eLN, and collaborate with cross-functional groups across development, manufacturing, QC/QA in a regulated

Qualifications

• MS or BS with relevant laboratory experience in biology/chemistry.
• Hands-on molecular biology and cell-based assay experience.
• Experience in regulated environments (GMP/GLP/CLIA) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine analytical testing to characterize cell products using DNA/RNA extraction, dPCR, live cell imaging, and plate-based assays.
• Complete eLN documentation contemporaneously for related lab work.
• Draft and revise eLN templates to ensure completeness.
• Track assay results and test method performance parameters.
• Assist daily lab operations, including equipment management and inventory.
• Support cross-functional projects with process development, manufacturing, QC and QA.

Skills

DNA extraction

Genomic assays

qPCR/dPCR

Cell-based assays

Flow cytometry

Education

MS in Biology, Chemistry, or related

BS in Biology, Chemistry, or related with 2 years experience

Tools

qPCR machines

Live cell imaging

Job description

• DNA extraction (manual or automated), safe handling of human cells, and performing genomic assays
• Experience using DPCR technology is preferred

Job Description

The Research Associate, Analytical Sciences will be responsible for the execution of routine testing, including but not limited to molecular biology assays and cell-based assays and to characterize T cell therapy processes and products. Additionally, this role contributes to the daily operational tasks in the Analytical Sciences team. This role is based in Santa Monica, CA.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Perform routine analytical testing to characterize cell products or processes primarily using DNA/RNA extraction/quantification, dPCR, live cell imaging, and plate-based assays.
• Accurately complete eLN documentation contemporaneously for the lab work in which it pertains to.
• Participate in eLN template drafting, revisions, and ensure executable templates are comprehensive.
• Participate in tracking assay results and test method performance parameters.
• Assist in everyday operation of analytical laboratories, including but not limited to equipment management, lab maintenance and restocking, and reagent inventory.
• Support cross-functional projects with process development, manufacturing, quality control, and quality assurance groups.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Hands-on experience in performing and analyzing qPCR/dPCR and/or cell-based assays is required.
• Detail-oriented in both technical assay execution and data analysis.
• Must be eager to learn and willing to ask questions.
• Experience in flow cytometry assays and equipment/software is a plus.
• Enjoy a fast-paced, dynamic team and company environment and able to adjust tasks based upon changing priorities.

Education and Experience

• MS Degree in Biology, Chemistry, or related discipline with relevant experience.
• BS degree in Biology, Chemistry, or related discipline with 2 years of relevant experience.
• Experience working in a regulated environment (e.g. GMP, GLP, or CLIA) is needed.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Sit, stand, walk and communicate verbally (i.e. speak and hear).
• The employee is frequently required to use their hands and arms to reach and grasp (i.e. tactile functioning).
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus in order to read.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• May be required to travel by plane or car 5% of the time
• This position requires working with biological and/or chemical hazards