Senior Research Associate - PHCS

The Fountain Group; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 43,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Fountain Group is seeking a Senior Research Associate onsite in Tucson. The role requires 6–8 years of post-college research experience, with a strong bench, data analysis, and assay development skillset.

You will design experiments, optimize methods, document data, and contribute to reports and publications. Responsibilities include troubleshooting, process improvements, and mentoring junior staff, with potential involvement in IVD and companion diagnostic projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in life sciences is required.
• Master's degree acceptable with 1–3 years of relevant experience.
• Ph.D. candidates are not eligible.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experimental plans for research objectives.
• Perform complex bench experiments, document observations, and analyze data.
• Develop and optimize laboratory methods independently.
• Prepare technical reports and quantitative analyses.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and documentation.
• Troubleshoot issues and implement corrective actions.
• Identify improvements to laboratory processes and workflows.
• Support investigations including failure/root-cause analyses.
• Prepare and present procedures and results to teams.
• Train personnel on specialized techniques; may oversee operations.
• Support development of in-vitro diagnostic and companion diagnostic solutions.

Skills

Bench research

Experiment design

Data analysis

Laboratory method development

Scientific reporting

Troubleshooting

Root-cause analysis

Recordkeeping

IVD/assay knowledge

Molecular biology

Education

Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences

Master's degree in Life Sciences (1–3 years exp)

Tools

Lab techniques

Job description

Senior Research Associate

Location: Onsite
Pay Rate: $38/hour
Duration: 1 year
Experience: 6–8 years of relevant post-college experience

Job Description

• Design and execute experimental plans supporting research and project objectives.
• Perform complex bench experiments, document observations, and analyze experimental data.
• Develop and optimize laboratory methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria independently.
• Prepare technical reports, experimental summaries, and quantitative analyses.
• Maintain complete and accurate laboratory records and experimental documentation.
• Troubleshoot laboratory and experimental issues and implement corrective actions.
• Identify and implement improvements to laboratory processes and workflows.
• Support complex technical investigations, including failure investigations and root-cause activities.
• Evaluate research activities for potential publication and patent opportunities.
• Prepare and present experimental procedures and results to project and technical teams.
• Train personnel on specialized laboratory techniques and procedures.
• May oversee laboratory operations and provide technical direction to junior personnel.
• Support development of in-vitro diagnostic and companion diagnostic solutions within Personalized Healthcare Solutions.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or a related scientific discipline required.
• Master's degree in Life Sciences or related field acceptable with 1–3 years of relevant experience.
• Ph.D. candidates are not eligible.

Required Skills

• 6–8 years of relevant post-college research/laboratory experience.
• Hands-on bench research and experimental design.
• Experimental data analysis and quantitative analysis.
• Laboratory method development and optimization.
• Technical report and scientific documentation preparation.
• Laboratory troubleshooting and corrective action.
• Independent development of laboratory techniques and evaluation criteria.
• Experience with complex technical investigations and failure/root-cause analysis.
• Laboratory recordkeeping and experimental documentation.
• In-vitro diagnostics, assay development, or related life sciences research experience.

Preferred Skills

• In-vitro diagnostic (IVD) product development experience.
• Companion diagnostic assay development experience.
• Molecular biology, assay development, or related laboratory expertise.
• Experience supporting pharmaceutical or biotechnology partnerships.
• Scientific publication or patent development experience.
• Experience presenting experimental results at scientific conferences or technical forums.
• Experience training junior laboratory personnel.
• Experience leading or contributing to cross-functional technical investigations.