Research Associate 1 – IVD Product Support
Company | Natera |
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Location | Austin, TX, USA |
Salary | $Not Provided – $Not Provided |
Type | Full-Time |
Degrees | Bachelor’s |
Experience Level | Entry Level/New Grad, Junior |
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, or related field
- Minimum of 1-2 year of Molecular Biology laboratory experience and or relevant industry experience in a research and/or assay development setting
Responsibilities
- Assist with the designing, planning and, executing of development and V&V laboratory experiments using various molecular biology and general laboratory techniques to prepare samples for Next Generation Sequencing
- Perform library preparation for NextGen sequencing using automated and manual methods
- Determine quantity and/or quality of nucleic acids using Quant-IT, Qubit, BioAnalyzer, and qPCR
- Coordinate across multiple internal groups (laboratory operations, scientific operations, CLIA, Quality Assurance)
- Participate in the planning of logistical workflow processes and suggest process improvements to subject matter experts as needed
- Perform basic data analysis (JMP) and maintain a detailed and organized laboratory notebook and accurate records of lab work using a variety of software including Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel, and internal databases
- Periodically review standard operating procedures (SOP) and other work instructions. Assisting in the development and writing of laboratory procedures and techniques.
- Receive and process laboratory specimens following standard methods and procedures with meticulous attention to detail.
- Identifying necessary kits and reagents for development and production sets and locating them via inventory or freezer maps.
- Performing physical transfers of reagents from freezers to designated locations for production use.
- Recording all stock movements and issues using inventory control systems.
- Track samples using LIMS, database queries, and advanced Excel techniques; verify the accuracy of specimens being processed and analyzed
- Adapt to handle multiple tasks and priorities and perform other duties as assigned
- Learn the science behind ongoing research projects while actively completing increasingly complex tasks
Preferred Qualifications
- Must have hands-on experience with good pipetting practices (single and multi-channel micropipettes, serological pipettes)
- Hands-on experience with nucleic acid techniques (purification, quantification, amplification using PCR, qPCR, Quant-IT/Qubit, BioAnalyzer or TapeStation)
- Hands-on experience with NGS library preparation and Illumina sequencing platforms highly preferred (NovaSeq, NextSeq, iSeq, etc.) is highly desired
- DNA extraction from biological samples.
- Working knowledge of laboratory safety, Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and regulatory standards such as CLIA requirements.
- Able to operate independently in a fast-paced lab under general supervision, managing multiple tasks and priorities with minimal errors.
- Ability to lift up to 20 lbs, frequent standing and walking, occasional sitting, etc. Occasional exposure to cold temperatures.
- Effective communication skills, including gathering information from different teams, communicating with suppliers, writing protocols, and summarizing results in reports or presentations
- Excellent with Microsoft Office programs and Google Drive including Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms
- Ability to think creatively and analytically with strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
- Team player with demonstrated strong interpersonal skills with an ability to build effective working relationships within functional area