RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT SCIENTIST

Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia (on-site)

Department: Research, Life Sciences

Job Type: Full- time

Shift: Monday- Friday, 8:15 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. (ET)

Clinical Classification: Clinical

LifeNet Health is searching for talented individuals who will embrace our mission of saving lives, restoring health, and giving hope.

LifeNet Health, headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is the largest nonprofit organ procurement organization (“OPO”) and tissue processor in the United States, as well as a leading innovator in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Our goal is to improve the quality of human life through the provision of organs, tissues, and cells for transplantation; to provide innovation in the fields of bio-implants, regenerative medicine and research; and, to serve the community with educational and support services that enhance the donation process.  LifeNet Health has over 1,200 employees and has a growing global presence.

The Research & Development (R&D) Scientist works cooperatively with the R&D team while independently leading research studies and program evaluations. The position will provide an opportunity to engage in multiple aspects of prototype development and contribute to an exciting scientific pipeline. The R&D Scientist will perform in vitro testing as well as utilize in vivo models to assess efficacy and support selection of exploratory allograft and hybrid candidates. Assays include, but are not limited to, ELISA/Luminex based protein quantification/profiling, tissue or cell-based in vitro systems (i.e., biocompatibility, bioactivity), and pre-clinical animal models to support an iterative material and product development process. Candidates with experiences in bioinspired adhesives, wet tissue adhesives/sealants development for tissue repair and other biomedical applications are encouraged to apply.

This person will be required to occasionally sit, stand, and lift up to 50 lbs. They will continuously work in a sterile or isolation area.  Additionally, this person will be required to pass a pre- employment health screening. 

How you will contribute to LifeNet Health’s success:

The R&D Scientist leads and coordinates research efforts for R&D projects. Participates in the planning, executing, documenting and reporting of research and validation efforts. Performs complex testing with cell and tissue samples as well as prototype development. Maintains essential laboratory records. Provides scientific assistance for divisional laboratory efforts. Assists in the development of intellectual property in support of the divisional project portfolio. Writes, submits, and presents results or research findings both internally and externally.

What you’ll do:

• Research Development: Leads and coordinates research efforts for R&D projects based on corporate priorities. Plans and executes laboratory research as outlined in experimental design of project and in compliance with written policies. Develops assays and protocols pertaining to research and product development objectives as needed. Investigates the feasibility of the potential inventions and products.
• Documentation and Reporting: Makes detailed observations, analyzes data, interprets results and summarizes collected data into effective technical reports. Provides timely and effective communication (written and oral) of procedures, observations, and results.
• Continuous Improvement: Becomes knowledgeable by conducting appropriate literature reviews and assisting in identifying opportunities for research projects for new products. Acquires techniques and technologies needed to develop clinical or research products. Assists in the development of intellectual property in support of the divisional project portfolio.
• Support: Trains research associates and technicians on developed assays and protocols and provides scientific support to their experimental design and technical report.

What you’ll bring (Minimum Requirements):

• Master’s degree in Life Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Tissue Engineering, or a related field and five (5) years of related experience in assay development, biological material-based research, or tissue engineering OR
• PhD degree in Life Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Tissue Engineering, or a related field and three (3) years of related experience in assay development, biological material-based research, or tissue engineering.

Preferred Experience/ Skills/ Certifications:

• Doctorate in Life Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Tissue Engineering, or a related field.
• Seven (7) years of related experience in assay development, biological material-based research, or tissue engineering.
• Two (2) years of experience in synthetic material-based research.
• Two (2) years of experience in Medical Device, Clinical Laboratory Oncology Diagnostic, or a related industry.
• Animal Study & Histological Analysis: Familiar with animal implantation and explanation procedures, and histological analysis on graft biocompatibility and efficacy.
• Root Cause Analysis: Ability to do root cause analysis and troubleshooting independently.

 These would be nice too (Knowledge Skills and Abilities):

• Life Science & Biomedical Science: Knowledge of biology, chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, and/or histology and able to apply the knowledge on complex assay development and validation.
• Critical Thinking: Uses logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Complex Problem Solving: Identifies complex problems and reviews related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Data Analysis: Uses biological, biochemical, and mathematical principles to solve problems; uses statistics and design of experiment tools to draw conclusions.
• Communication & Presentation Skills: Good verbal and written communication skills. Able to communicate conclusions and recommended path; able to present complex information to peers and non-technical leadership; able to describe and convince decision makers on recommended path; able to deliver a formal presentation.
• Time Management: Able to prioritize multiple, competing priorities and manage time/workload. Demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize and juggle multiple time sensitive projects, multi-task, identify project interdependencies and potential risks/pitfalls.
• Teamwork: Able to work collaboratively in a team environment and coordinate multiple activities with a wide variety of disciplines within the company; open to others’ ideas; able to contribute to the team decision.
• Attention to Detail: Able to perform tasks thoroughly and with care; checks work to ensure a high degree of accuracy/completeness and early/on-time delivery.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office: PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook, Microsoft Suite.

Why work at LifeNet Health?

We have a fierce drive for our mission of Saving Lives, Restoring Health, and Giving Hope. You will not find another company with a culture as strong as ours.

• 403(b) and Profit-Sharing Plan
• Affordable medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Corporate sponsored events for employees
• Work-life balance with generous paid time off to include vacation time, sick time, and paid holidays
  • 18 vacation days
  • 9 sick days
  • 7 paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Personal career, skill, and leadership development opportunities
• Wellness Program (gym reimbursement, monthly wellness webinars, mental health toolkit, financial resources, and much more)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and members of their household
• Dedicated and passionate co-workers

Salary: $87,217- $116,289 (annually)

The pay rate for the successful candidate will depend on geographic location and the candidate’s qualifications and prior relevant experience.  The pay range for this position is $87,217 annually (entry- level qualifications) to $116,289 annually (experienced in this role).*

*Actual compensation may be higher based on the successful candidate's knowledge and relevant experience.

This position is eligible for an annual bonus once eligibility criteria are met. 

All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and LifeNet Health reserves the right to modify or change these benefits programs at any time, with or without notice, unless otherwise required by law.  Further, nothing in this posting is intended to alter the “at will” relationship of a successful candidate and this posting does not constitute a specific promise.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer EOE/M/F/Disability/Vet. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.