Job Description
Position Title: Research Associate II
Work Location: North Creek, WA, USA (98021)
Assignment Duration: 18 Months
Work Schedule: M-F 1st shift
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Position Summary:
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We are seeking an experienced, highly motivated Research Associate to join our Manufacturing Science and Technology (MSAT) lab team in Bothell, WA.
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In this role, the primary responsibility will be laboratory maintenance and experimental execution related to internal manufacturing and technical innovation.
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The ideal candidate will have experience in common mammalian upstream unit operations, either in a development/MSAT lab or in manufacturing operations.
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This role will support late stage and commercial projects through bench scale and pilot scale cell culture experiments.
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The ideal candidate would be comfortable in a fast-paced environment where they are required to troubleshoot technical challenges and apply innovative technologies to solve manufacturing problems.
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The incumbent will work in a highly collaborative environment requiring attention to detail, good communication skills, and a willingness to learn.
Key Responsibilities:
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Laboratory management (maintaining and cleaning equipment, analytical instrument maintenance, ordering and stocking supplies)
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Media and buffer preparation for mammalian cell culture
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Building, maintaining, and cleaning benchtop bioreactor cultures; supporting pilot-scale (50-200L) single-use bioreactor through equipment setup, culture maintenance, and cleanup
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Designing and executing experimental studies with increasing complexity (OFAT and DOE)
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Independent data analysis and visualization with Excel, JMP, or R with guidance from supervisor
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Summarizing and presenting experimental findings in team meetings and documenting work in lab notebooks and technical reports
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Meticulous maintenance of laboratory records/notebooks, equipment logbooks, and other electronic files
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Collaborating with vendors on new products and technologies, including setting up demos, communicating about issues, and developing custom part numbers
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Literature search and review to support understanding of experimental findings
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Data verification, sample management, and other manufacturing support activities
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Routine weekend work and occasional holiday/overtime as experiments demand
Qualification & Experience:
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2-5 years of relevant experience in laboratory or manufacturing setting (preferably cell culture)
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Exceptional aseptic technique and familiarity with common bioreactor and cell culture equipment
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Strong organization and time/task management skills in order to keep track of multiple projects at once
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Strong ability to independently solve problems, propose solutions, and think critically and creatively
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A willingness to learn fast and contribute to team goals while taking on increasing responsibilities
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Excellent oral and written communication skills alongside ability to collaborate with others in a dynamic environment
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Adherence to laboratory safety guidelines and, SOPs, and other regulatory requirements
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Must be willing and able to work on a flexible schedule (e.g. weekend rotations) while maintaining reliable work hours
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Ability to lift 50lbs, climb ladders, and stand for up to 8 hours a day
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Experience in restaurant, retail, or other service industry is a plus
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Interest in data analytics, IT, AI, automation, or other technical areas a plus
Education:
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B.S. degree in life sciences, biotechnology, or engineering, biochemistry, or related discipline
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At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws. This position’s starting pay is: $32.66/hr.