Principal Scientist 1 – Marlborough, MA
(Molecular assays)
About the Opportunity
Meadowhawk Biolabs is seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated Molecular Assay Scientist to work within the non-GLP Immunoanalytical Services Team at our Marlborough, MA site. The ideal candidate is creative, hardworking, results focused, driven and has prior experience in Nucleic acid extractions and Molecular assays (PCR) for analysis of biologically derived samples. Given that we are a newly launched Contract Research Organization (CRO) founded by an experienced team of industry veterans, this position offers unique ground floor opportunities for the successful candidate to contribute meaningfully to the creation and development of our services, expand their knowledge base by participation in multidisciplinary teams, and advance their career in capabilities and responsibilities.
Key Roles and Responsibilities:
- Independently develop and implement cutting-edge molecular bioanalytical techniques to support drug discovery programs.
- Lead and manage the execution of experiments and studies using molecular biology techniques, such as Nucleic acid extractions, PCR, RT-PCR, qPCR, dPCR and gene expression analysis.
- Utilize your expertise and knowledge to troubleshoot and optimize experimental protocols and processes.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support drug discovery and development projects.
- Analyze and interpret data and present results and findings to senior management and external clients.
- Mentor and train junior scientists in molecular biology techniques and experimental design.
- Act as a subject matter expert and provide scientific guidance and support to project teams and other departments within the company.
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to quality, accuracy, and attention to detail in all aspects of work.
- Adhere to project timelines and deliver results in a timely manner to support the overall goals of the company.
Minimum Education and Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s or Doctoral degree in molecular biology, immunology or another related scientific field with a minimum of 8 years (BS) or 5 years (MS) directly related industry experience or doctorate degree with at least 2 years of experience. Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered as substitution for the specific requirements outlined above.
- Proven expertise in molecular assay techniques, qPCR, ddPCR, RT-qPCR, including the development of robust assays for bioanalytical characterization in preclinical studies
- Experience across a range of therapeutic modalities, cell and gene therapy experience is advantageous
- Experience in sample preparation, data acquisition, assay set-up and instrument maintenance
- Experience in data analysis using various software.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment while remaining innovative, flexible, resourceful, and efficient
- Highly organized and detail-oriented in data recording and review
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
- Previous experience mentoring junior staff required
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office required (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); prior experience working with laboratory information systems (LIMS/ELN) to manage sample tracking and analysis is preferred.
Skills:
- Experience in operating and troubleshooting PCR instrumentation
- Experience in operating and troubleshooting KingFisher Flex or equivalent RNA/DNA extraction platform
- Highly organized and detail-oriented in data recording and review
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
- Thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment
- Previous experience mentoring junior staff preferred
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office required (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Personal Attributes:
In addition to the attributes described above, the ideal candidate will be highly collaborative, open-minded, self-aware, flexible, data-driven and objective in its evaluation, persistent and optimistic in the face of challenges and uncertainty, and willing to make decisions and take ownership for assigned responsibilities.
About Meadowhawk Biolabs:
Meadowhawk Biolabs is a newly launched and well-funded CRO founded by industry veterans with operations based in the two dominant US Biohubs – Boston & San Francisco. Driven by a set of clear company values, Meadowhawk Biolabs seeks to make a difference and be the partner of choice with its pharmaceutical and biotech clients in their quest to bring new therapeutics and treatments to market. Launching from our greenfield start, we seek to provide our clients with the highest quality data with fast turnround time and unrivaled client service while maintaining a focus upon technology, scientific and operational innovation.
At Meadowhawk Biolabs, our ultimate success is dependent upon building the best possible team of employees. We seek to create an environment where we celebrate our differences and value the power of diversity among our employees. We embrace cultural, social, cognitive, and professional diversity because we understand that ultimately our success is enabled by working together.