Scientist (R&D Toxicology)

at  Quest Diagnostics

Overview:
Develop, plan, conduct, and record results from complex experiments within toxicology. Often includes solid phase extraction of urine, oral fluid, serum, or whole blood specimens for qualitative or quantitative drugs of abuse and prescription drug monitoring compounds. Prepare reports and analysis of results as related to product/process development improvement. Activities may be focused on individual projects or assignments as a member of a project team which may include project leadership duties.

Responsibilities:

• Perform laboratory experiments following defined protocols and company procedures. Report status of assigned projects through the preparation of detailed reports and documentation that summarize experiment results.
• Work within established parameters on individual assignments, on project teams for longer-term projects and as a technical leader to Associate Scientists.
• Identify problems, investigate alternatives and recommend possible courses of action.
• Maintain knowledge of technological developments that may assist in the completion of an assignment or lead to new products, processes or procedures by reading current literature.
• Effectively utilize and apply advanced methods or technologies.
• Contribute ideas for new product development typically within existing markets.
• Responsibilities include working with infectious materials, supporting and complying with the company hazard waste handling practices.
• Other duties as assigned. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities, but rather a general description of work performed by the position.

Qualifications:

REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Requires minimum 5+ years of extensive laboratory/industry experience and significant demonstration of capabilities for a candidate with a Bachelor’s degree
• Or MS degree with 3-5 years laboratory/industry experience
• Or PhD degree with thesis and laboratory experience. Can be considered an industry-based post-doctoral opportunity.

PREFERRED WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) operating experience
• Chromatographic data processing/review
• Biological sample handling and pipetting
• Experience in developing or validating LC-MS/MS assays following CLSI, ANSI/ASB, CAP, NYSDOH, or ISO regulations

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Frequently required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms in the operation of equipment or instruments located in the work environment.
• Frequently required to sit and stand; and is occasionally required to walk and stoop.
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and depth perception.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledgeable in the use of common laboratory equipment and safe chemical handling. Requires a thorough knowledge of related products and technologies gained through developmental experience in an academic or industrial setting.

SKILLS:

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as professional journals, operating instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write complete reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively in one-on-one and small group situations.
• Ability to apply mathematical concepts to problem-solving situations.
• Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance and correlation techniques.
• Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several variables in a variety of situations.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s Degree(Required)
Master’s Degree

• Perform laboratory experiments following defined protocols and company procedures. Report status of assigned projects through the preparation of detailed reports and documentation that summarize experiment results.
• Work within established parameters on individual assignments, on project teams for longer-term projects and as a technical leader to Associate Scientists.
• Identify problems, investigate alternatives and recommend possible courses of action.
• Maintain knowledge of technological developments that may assist in the completion of an assignment or lead to new products, processes or procedures by reading current literature.
• Effectively utilize and apply advanced methods or technologies.
• Contribute ideas for new product development typically within existing markets.
• Responsibilities include working with infectious materials, supporting and complying with the company hazard waste handling practices.
• Other duties as assigned. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities, but rather a general description of work performed by the position