Research Scientist

Meso Scale Diagnostics LLC; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Meso Scale Diagnostics LLC in Gaithersburg, Maryland is seeking a skilled researcher to advance molecular diagnostics. Responsibilities include planning, executing experiments, and analyzing data. Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in a related field and have a strong background in molecular biology techniques.

The role requires independent work and problem-solving abilities. Familiarity with enzymatic assays and various analytical methods are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience with DNA and RNA purification, amplification, labeling, and hybridization.
• Solid understanding of DNA and RNA enzymology including polymerases, nucleases, and modification enzymes.
• Ability to work independently and document results clearly.

Responsibilities

• Plan and document projects and experiments.
• Analyze and review experimental data critically.
• Troubleshoot and optimize experiments.

Skills

Molecular biology methods for nucleic acid analysis

Strong scientific fundamentals

Analytical background

Creative problem-solving

Education

Ph.D. in structural biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, enzymology, chemistry, or bioengineering

Tools

Fluorescence methods

UV-Vis spectroscopy

Electrophoretic methods

Chromatographic methods

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible for research and innovation of molecular diagnostics, reagents, instrumentation and processes to advance the progress of diagnostic initiatives. Independently planning and executing experiments, analyzing and documenting resulting data and presenting findings in a clear and concise manner will be among the principle responsibilities of this position. This position may directly supervise the work of others in their group and/or across interdisciplinary teams.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Project planning and associated documentation
• Conduct experiments, analyze and critically review resulting data
• Troubleshoot and optimize experiments; communicate challenges and solutions to managers and senior staff
• Research new methods and train laboratory personnel
• May work with Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) materials such as viruses, bacteria and/or human clinical matrices (e.g. serum and plasma)
• May manage and coordinate the activities of Research Associates other
• Suggest direction for future work

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in in structural biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, enzymology, chemistry, bioengineering or related field of study
• Experience in a wide-variety of molecular biology methods for nucleic acid analysis and manipulation including DNA and RNA purification, amplification, labeling and hybridization
• Solid understanding of DNA and RNA enzymology including polymerases, nucleases and modification enzymes.
• Expertise in a wide variety of enzymatic assays employing fluorescence, UV-Vis spectroscopy, electrophoretic and chromatographic methods, and other techniques
• Experience in analytical methods and detailed quantitative analysis for characterization of nucleic acids
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, design experiments, analyze resulting data and document results.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong scientific fundamentals and analytical background
• Demonstrated ability to generate creative solutions to challenging problems
• Demonstrated ability to independently design and execute project planning, organization, troubleshooting, optimization and validation of experiments
• A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected including the ability to multi-task in an environment with changing priorities

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Up to 70 % of the day may be spent in the lab
• There are aspects of the positions duties that require a person in this role to work at heights above four (4) feet on occasion and lift up to 25 lbs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Laboratory environment working with chemical reagents and performing some Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) work
  • May involve handling of BSL-2 materials and organisms including human blood and/or blood products on occasion