Molecular Infectious Disease Scientist - R&D

at  Quest Diagnostics

Overview:
To advance technology necessary to develop state-of-the-art assays. To plan, organize, and implement basic experiments to achieve this goal. Train and provide scientific direction to scientific personnel of various levels as needed. Also provide scientific design and statistical analysis.

Responsibilities:

• Under the direction of the Scientific Director, Lead Scientist or R&D Manager, initiate experimental design for assay development.
• Conduct assay system development, optimization and validation.
• Under licensed supervision, run experiments to evaluate new laboratory instrumentation and equipment for laboratory testing in cooperation with the equipment manufacturer.
• Prepare technical SOP’s as required for Medical or Scientific Director (licensed) review and approval.
• Prepare assay validation reports and other assay-related documentation as defined by the licensed Scientific Director and Medical Director.
• Work closely with informatics personnel to develop computer programs and databases as required for assay execution, automation and data management.
• Under licensed supervision, assist and/or coordinate technical transfer of new assays and procedures to appropriate department.
• Under licensed supervision, assist, as needed, in the training of lab personnel on new procedures.
• Provide scientific supervision and guidance to research associates in the routine execution of their laboratory work.
• Keep Scientific Director and/or R&D manager informed about status of on going projects.
• Prepare written and oral presentations of scientific updates for presentation at R&D meetings and conferences.
• Maintain awareness of current and developing technologies.
• Interact with Academic Associates and other outside sources of emerging technologies, science and materials.
• Add input to annual review for research personnel supervised while working on special projects.
• Complies with industry regulatory and quality standards for the R&D Assay Design Control processes.
• Assists licensed supervisor with troubleshooting, including reviewing procedural execution for possible cause of out of control results. Carries out simple troubleshooting procedures and performs R&D problem solving experiments as instructed.

Qualifications:

REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE:

• 5-7 years relevant experience in a research and development laboratory for candidates with a BS/BA degree;
• 2-5 years experience for candidates holding an MS/MA degree;

• Under the direction of the Scientific Director, Lead Scientist or R&D Manager, initiate experimental design for assay development.
• Conduct assay system development, optimization and validation.
• Under licensed supervision, run experiments to evaluate new laboratory instrumentation and equipment for laboratory testing in cooperation with the equipment manufacturer.
• Prepare technical SOP’s as required for Medical or Scientific Director (licensed) review and approval.
• Prepare assay validation reports and other assay-related documentation as defined by the licensed Scientific Director and Medical Director.
• Work closely with informatics personnel to develop computer programs and databases as required for assay execution, automation and data management.
• Under licensed supervision, assist and/or coordinate technical transfer of new assays and procedures to appropriate department.
• Under licensed supervision, assist, as needed, in the training of lab personnel on new procedures.
• Provide scientific supervision and guidance to research associates in the routine execution of their laboratory work.
• Keep Scientific Director and/or R&D manager informed about status of on going projects.
• Prepare written and oral presentations of scientific updates for presentation at R&D meetings and conferences.
• Maintain awareness of current and developing technologies.
• Interact with Academic Associates and other outside sources of emerging technologies, science and materials.
• Add input to annual review for research personnel supervised while working on special projects.
• Complies with industry regulatory and quality standards for the R&D Assay Design Control processes.
• Assists licensed supervisor with troubleshooting, including reviewing procedural execution for possible cause of out of control results. Carries out simple troubleshooting procedures and performs R&D problem solving experiments as instructed