Scientist

Insight Global; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Insight Global in Los Angeles seeks a project-focused scientist to drive the development and manufacturing of DNA-based diagnostic reagents. You will manage multiple projects, set priorities across R&D, Operations, Regulatory, Quality, and Product Management.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Biology or related field, 2+ years of lab experience, hands-on molecular biology and recombinant DNA skills, data analysis, mentoring abilities, and experience in a regulated, cGMP environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field.
• Minimum 2+ years of professional laboratory experience.
• Hands-on molecular biology and recombinant DNA techniques.
• Experience in a regulated laboratory environment with quality/compliance.
• Ability to independently plan, execute, troubleshoot, and analyze experiments.
• Experience leading or owning projects or initiatives.
• Strong data analysis and documentation skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience mentoring peers and training.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects focused on development, improvement, and manufacturing of DNA-based diagnostic reagents.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize deadlines and deliverables across cross-functional teams.
• Drive day-to-day laboratory operations and maintain workflow efficiency.
• Design and execute experiments, analyze data, and interpret results.
• Train and mentor Scientist I and II on procedures, equipment, and data analysis.
• Operate laboratory instrumentation including qPCR, Luminex, and related systems.
• Maintain SOPs, quality documentation, and equipment maintenance logs.
• Prepare reports and communicate project status to management.
• Collaborate with R&D, Operations, Regulatory, Quality, Marketing, Sales, and Product Management.

Skills

Project leadership

Data analysis

Written and verbal communication

Mentoring/train

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

qPCR

Luminex

Job description

• Lead projects focused on the development, improvement, and manufacturing of DNA-based diagnostic reagents.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while prioritizing deadlines and deliverables across functional teams.
• Drive day-to-day laboratory operations and maintain workflow efficiency.
• Design and execute experiments, analyze data, and interpret results using tools such as uType, SureTyper, Fusion, or similar software.
• Perform molecular biology and recombinant DNA laboratory techniques.
• Train and mentor Scientist I and Scientist II team members on laboratory procedures, equipment, and data analysis.
• Operate laboratory instrumentation including qPCR, Luminex, genetic analyzers, thermal cyclers, UV spectrophotometers, electrophoresis systems, and centrifuges.
• Monitor equipment performance and manufacturing processes to ensure quality and efficiency.
• Maintain SOPs, laboratory records, quality documentation, and equipment maintenance logs.
• Prepare reports and communicate project status, findings, and recommendations to management.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Quality, Marketing, Sales, and Product Management.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean/PPI methodologies.
• Ensure compliance with cGMP, GDP, safety protocols, and regulatory requirements.

Must-Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, or a related scientific field.
• Minimum 2+ years of professional laboratory experience (industry experience preferred; academic coursework alone is not sufficient).
• Hands-on laboratory experience with molecular biology and recombinant DNA techniques.
• Experience working in a regulated laboratory environment with adherence to quality and compliance standards.
• Ability to independently plan, execute, troubleshoot, and analyze experiments.
• Experience leading or owning projects, workstreams, or laboratory initiatives.
• Strong data analysis and documentation skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience training, mentoring, or providing guidance to peers.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and handling biological samples.

Plusses

• Experience with HLA testing or transplantation diagnostics.
• Experience with qPCR, Luminex, genetic analyzers, or similar molecular diagnostic platforms.
• Experience with data analysis software such as uType, SureTyper, Fusion, or equivalent tools.
• SAP experience.
• Lean Manufacturing, PPI Business System, or Continuous Improvement experience.
• Prior experience serving as a project lead or leading cross-functional initiatives.
• Experience within a GMP-regulated manufacturing or diagnostic environment.
• Experience mentoring or formally training laboratory scientists.
• Exposure to product development, manufacturing sciences, or assay optimization activities.
• Possibility of conversion to a full-time employee based on performance and business need.