LifeSciences Research Associate II

Life Sciences Kalamazoo, Michigan


Description

LifeSciences Research Associate II

Location: Kalamazoo, MI

Department: LifeSciences

Job Type: Full-Time

Clinical: Clinical

Shift: Mon-Friday 8:15AM-5PM

 

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 1200 employees and has a growing global presence.

How you will contribute to LifeNet Health’s success:

The LifeSciences Research Associate II participates in the planning, executing, documenting, analyzing, and reporting of research and validation efforts within our LifeSciences Division. This role develops new assays, test methods, and protocols pertaining to research objectives and analytical problem solving. Provides trainings on new or revised test methods, assays, processing procedures, and equipment/instrument operations. The position requires fundamental knowledge and experience with sterile technique and cell culture, biochemical assays (MTT, ATP, LDH), and basic laboratory skills such as pipette operation, use of analytical balance, plate readers, and microscopes. The job also requires the ability to function under good laboratory practices (GLP). The job will provide support to client projects entering the laboratory under the supervision of the laboratory manager. Therefore, the ability to summarize data from experiments is also important.

 

What you’ll do:

 Experimental Procedures: Conducts experiments independently to support new products and

technology development, including associated process/equipment development and optimization in

compliance with LifeNet policy, LifeNet procedures, and Good Laboratory Practices. Develops

protocols and experimental designs with minimal supervision required to support assigned research,

including cell culture responsibilities, as well as product development, manufacturing, and validation

initiatives. Leads troubleshooting activities for ongoing projects and experimental procedures including

graft production and assays.

Data Handling and Interpretation: Makes detailed observations, documents and analyzes data,

interprets results, and summarizes collected data into effective technical reports under minimal

supervision. Assists in analytical problem solving to overcome obstacles related to research activities

and departmental processes. Assists in preparation of client reports or manuscripts.

Assays/Protocol: Develops new assays, test methods, and protocols pertaining to research

objectives as needed. Writes and modifies test method SOPs and test method validation protocols and

reports as needed. Performs/participates on GLP studies.

Training: Supports establishment of essential training requirements related to processes and

equipment and provides effective training of staff on the operation of equipment and tools with high

complexity including knowledge of the underlying scientific principles. Mentor’s technicians and interns

Research: Conducts appropriate literature reviews when necessary to begin or support research

projects and reports. Provides timely and effective communication (written and oral) of procedures,

observations, and results. Reports status updates, technical status updates, and other work-related

activities within workgroups and across the organization.

 

 

What you’ll bring (Minimum Requirements):


  • Bachelor's degree (BS or BA) in Life Sciences or related field (Master's Degree Preferred)
  • Minimum of 5 years' experience in Biology / Chemistry or Life Science related field
  • Or 3 years' related work experience with Master's Degree 

 

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


  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Effective oral, written and presentation communication skills
  • Laboratory Skills – Ability to follow experimental designs and protocols
  • Teamwork - Ability to work collaboratively in as part of a team
  • Time Management – Ability to prioritize, multi task and identify potential project risks

 

Why work at LifeNet Health?

We have a fierce drive for our mission of Saving Lives, Restoring Health, and Giving Hope. You won’t 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
  • 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: $55,271 - $73,694

*The pay rate for the successful candidate will depend on geographic location and the candidate’s qualifications including prior relevant experience.  The pay range for this position in Michigan is $55,271 annually (entry-level qualifications) to $73,694 annually (experienced in this role).

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

*This position is also eligible for an annual bonus based on certain criteria being 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."

LifeNet Health is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.  We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.