Staff Scientist

MESO SCALE DIAGNOSTICS, LLC.; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 88,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Paid vacation

Paid sick leave

Disability insurance

Job summary

Meso Scale Diagnostics, LLC. seeks a senior scientist to design and execute complex experiments and analyze data for biomarker measurements and assay development. The role provides guidance to team members and leads junior staff in laboratory activities.

Responsibilities include data analysis, presentations, and maintaining lab inventories, with emphasis on MSD technologies and biosafety. Bachelor's degree in life sciences is required and twelve years of hands-on experience is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of twelve years hands-on laboratory experience.
• Extensive experience with antibody-based assays and reagent development.
• Training in Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) techniques required.

Responsibilities

• Designs and executes complex experiments independently.
• Analyzes data with spreadsheets and graphing software; prepares presentations and recommendations.
• Act as subject matter expert and guides team members on lab procedures.
• Coordinates and manages work of junior team members.
• Maintains lab supplies, inventory, and reagents; participates in lab maintenance.

Skills

Analytical skills

Statistical analysis

MS Excel

GraphPad Prism

SharePoint

Immunoassay technology

Laboratory leadership

BSL-2 techniques

Data presentation

Biomarker measurements

Education

Bachelor’s degree in life sciences

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

MSD technology and processes

BSL-2 techniques

Antibody-based assay methods

Inventory management systems

Job description

This position is responsible for designing and executing complex experiments and analyzing the resulting data in support of reagent and assay development projects. This is a laboratory-based position responsible for advancing research and/or development objectives focused on leading-edge biomarker measurements and technology. This senior-level position provides guidance and expertise to other members of the team.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Independently designs and executes complex experiments and implements plans.
• Analyzes data using spreadsheets and graphing software, including statistical analyses. Prepares clear and concise presentations without supervisor input, including thoughtful summaries and recommendations for next steps. Presents to peer and supervisor review groups.
• Serves as subject matter expert, and provides guidance/expertise to team members on experiments/laboratory procedures.
• Coordinates/manages the work of junior team members.
• Leads and participates in general lab maintenance initiatives including but not limited to maintaining laboratory supplies and equipment, maintaining electronic inventory list database, physical inventory, processing/aliquotting/vialing/labeling materials, and preparing and maintaining reagent inventories.
• May be selected to monitor and report on the infrastructure of a particular lab or functional area.
• Specific duties may vary depending upon departmental requirements.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, or related area is required
• Master’s degree is preferred
• A minimum of twelve years hands-on laboratory work experience is required.
• Extensive experience with running antibody-based assays, developing reagents and product development is required.
• Extensive knowledge of MSD’s technology and processes is required.
• Training in and experience with Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) techniques is required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong knowledge of scientific fundamentals with an analytical background.
• Demonstrated aptitude for learning of and adhering to standard laboratory techniques and safety precautions.
• Solid communication (written and verbal) skills regardless of the format (e.g., documents, public speaking situations, presentations, etc.).
• Attention to detail with demonstrated commitment to excellence and performance.
• Demonstrated propensity to be creative, collaborative, proactive, and self-motivated in the execution and completion of assigned tasks.
• Ability to execute experiments, and to identify issues and propose and execute troubleshooting.
• Advanced knowledge of statistics.
• Strong analytical skills with the demonstrated ability to gather and evaluate complex data and information and develop a recommendation and plan of action.
• Proficient in MS Excel, GraphPad Prism and SharePoint.
• Advanced knowledge of immunoassay technology.
• Ability to work both independently and as an effective team member.
• Ability to provide day-to-day guidance and technical knowledge to others.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple and often changing priorities and issues of varying complexity, while meeting time-sensitive deadlines and deliverables.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• While performing the duties of this job, the individual is frequently required to sit and stand for long periods. The individual is occasionally required to walk; use hands and fingers to operate, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms.
• Up to 75 % of the day may be spent at a lab bench.
• There are aspects of the position’s duties that require a person in this role to work at heights above four (4) feet on occasion and move/lift up to 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

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

COMPENSATION SUMMARY

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $88,100. to $134,400. This salary range represents a general guideline as MSD considers other factors when presenting an offer of employment, such as scope and responsibilities of the position, external market factors, and the candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities, education and experience. Employees may qualify for a discretionary or non-discretionary bonus in addition to their base salary. These annual bonuses are intended to recognize individual performance and enable employees to benefit from the Company's overall success.

BENEFITS SUMMARY

At MSD, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well-being and financial security. In addition to competitive salaries, our benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with prescription benefits. We provide a 401(k) plan with company matching, flexible spending accounts, and company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance as well as group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Our offerings also encompass paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, and paid parental leave, along with an employee assistance program. Additional voluntary perks include a fitness club membership contribution, pet insurance, identity theft protection, home and auto insurance discounts, and optional supplemental life insurance.

EEO/AA STATEMENT

MSD is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, age, protected veteran status, pregnancy, disability status, or any other protected characteristic. For our full EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit here.

Meso Scale Diagnostics uses E-Verify to validate the work eligibility of candidates.