Sr. Research Associate - Assay Transfer

Kelly Services; Oro Valley (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Motion Recruitment Partners in Oro Valley, AZ seeks a Senior Research Associate to lead assay transfers from Development to Manufacturing. You will drive process characterization, design experiments, and optimize manufacturing feasibility.

The role requires hands-on wet-lab work (IHC/ISH) in a regulated setting, plus ability to generate reports and collaborate with cross-functional teams on scale-up and tech-transfer efforts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Science with 6+ years of post-college relevant experience, or
• Master's degree with 1+ year of relevant experience.
• Experience in wet lab and biological techniques; IHC/ISH exposure.
• Experience in regulated environments and manufacturing/Development transfer.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, execution, and troubleshooting of complex lab protocols and scale-up activities.
• Prepare manufacturing documentation and transfer activities for new products.
• Serve as SME to troubleshoot problems and drive process improvements.
• Generate technical reports and present findings to teams.

Skills

IHC

ISH

Wet Lab

Regulated Env

DQM

Education

Bachelor's degree in Science

Master's degree in Science

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Job Title: Sr. Research Associate - Assay Transfer

Job Location: Oro Valley, Arizona, 85755

Job Duration: 24 Months with possible extension

Position Summary:

As a member of the Assay Transfer team, you will facilitate the seamless transition of new and existing reagent products from Development to Manufacturing. This role involves initiating, directing, and executing process characterization, scientific research, and manufacturing process strategies to support product manufacturability and improve process capability.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience:

• Bachelors degree in Science with 6+ years of post-college relevant experience, OR
• Masters degree with 1+ year of relevant experience.

Technical Expertise:

• Hands-on experience with wet lab and biological techniques, specifically IHC (Immunohistochemistry) and ISH (In Situ Hybridization).
• Direct experience in a regulated environment, product development, and/or manufacturing operations.
• Proficiency in standard laboratory techniques, scientific literature retrieval, and software tools (word processing, spreadsheets, graphical/presentation applications).
• Methodologies: Ability to apply Design for Six Sigma and Design for Quality and Manufacturability (DQM) principles to optimize processes and solve potential inventions or production issues.
• Candidate Guidelines: Candidates must meet the minimum post-college experience requirements (6+ years for Bachelor's). Please do not submit Ph.D. candidates (considered overqualified).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Laboratory Execution & Protocol Design:

• Lead the design, execution, and troubleshooting of complex laboratory protocols, bench experiments, process characterization, and scale-up activities with minimal supervision.
• Execute bench experiments, record meticulous observations, and conduct quantitative data analysis.

Process Transfer & Quality Standards:

• Prepare manufacturing documentation and complete transfer activities for new products.
• Champion "Quality First Time" standards while identifying and implementing process capability improvements in the laboratory environment.

Problem Solving & Subject Matter Expertise:

• Serve as a technical resource to troubleshoot complex technical problems, institute corrective actions, and resolve intangible variables.
• Optimize workflows and identify potential patent or publication opportunities.

Documentation & Technical Reporting:

• Generate comprehensive technical reports, summaries, and experimental procedures.
• Present findings and scientific data clearly to project teams, group meetings, and organizational stakeholders.

Collaboration & Leadership:

• Partner actively across organizational boundaries and lead or participate in cross-functional technical teams (e.g., core teams, failure investigations).
• Contribute to project planning, provide creative solutions, and mentor or train team members in areas of expertise.

Motion Recruitment Partners (MRP) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants must be currently authorized to work on a full-time basis in the country for which they are applying, and no sponsorship is currently available. Employment is subject to the successful completion of a pre-employment screening. Accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process as required under MRP’s Employment Accommodation policy. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.