Lead Biologist, Cell Biology

Are you ready to innovate? We create science and work hard at achieving breakthroughs to optimize production conditions for ATCC's expansive cell biology catalog while also solving some of our customers' toughest challenges with custom requests and orders. Join our diverse team to cross collaborate with other talented individuals in research and development of exciting and new procedures for the company. You'll work in a dynamic business where there are opportunities for training and collaboration with various departments. Whether it is working in labs or diving into historical records, you'll innovate and help build the foundation of future cell bioilogy productions at ATCC.

The Lead Biologist performs a variety of complex laboratory procedures requiring accuracy, judgment and technical proficiency. The incumbent performs a lead role in achieving program goals within the Cell Biology Quality Control department. The Lead Biologist may assist in management of the program by attending meetings, reviewing data, and driving quality and efficiency goals. The incumbent may take a lead role in writing operational work instructions/SOPs. The Lead Biologist may oversee the work of other staff and provide appropriate training to staff and is seen as the subject matter expert within the Cell Biology program. The incumbent complies with all ATCC corporate policies and procedures.

Adheres to appropriate quality guidelines.

Follows relevant SOPs and procedures with no supervision.

Receives and follows work orders, completing work as scheduled.

Communicates effectively with supervisor and others as appropriate on work status.

Performs viability and purity checks on biological materials.

Demonstrates competence in propagating and authenticating/characterizing a range of biological materials with no supervision.

Maintains knowledge of corporate and program policies and procedures.

Actively acquires new lab skills and specialized knowledge.

Reads and understands relevant scientific literature.

Compiles and documents data, as directed, for technical presentation.

Utilizes advance computer skills.

Offers suggestions for and contributes to optimization of processes.

Assumes a lead role in training others in laboratory and departmental procedures.

When appropriate, participates in scientific meetings, seminars, and workshops to stay abreast of technology advances.

Communicates effectively with members of all programs at ATCC as well as with outside collaborators.

Develops protocols to implement special tests relevant to program specialty.

Interacts with scientific community to answer inquiries and assist with technical problems, as needed.

Provides training for CSRs and TSRs, as requested.

Develops and evaluates new and/or existing assays for characterization/authentication of biological materials.

Troubleshoots out-of-specification results, analyzes data and oversees process changes.

Conducts research projects with minimal supervision from scientists, as directed.

Takes a leadership role in ensuring SOPs and departmental procedures are current and up-to-date.

Can represent ATCC as a sole participant in scientific meetings/trade shows.

May provide leadership in technology transfer to other ATCC programs.

Assists in formulating program goals.

Participates in managerial meetings, as needed.

Interacts closely with supervisor for management of program including assistance in development of area budget, as requested.

May oversee the work of others and maintain accountability for their work.

Writes and submits proposals for process development/optimization projects, carries out approved proposals under direction of supervisor, as appropriate.

Assumes a lead role in achieving program goals.

Can serve as coordinator and leader on a cross-functional project teams.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a science related field and 7+ years of relevant experience OR
• Master's degree in a science related field and 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Prior supervisory or lead role experience a plus.
• Advanced cell culture skills including human primary, iPSCs and/or Organoids preferred.
• Experience with cell based assays preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to work independently.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex data.
• Ability to exercise judgment and make good decisions.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and responsibilities of a complex nature, simultaneously.
• Experience in complex lab skills and safety procedures including proper handling of chemicals and/or biologicals.
• Maintains accurate records.
• Ability to serve as a technical expert within Cell Biology Quality Control relevant scientific discipline.
• Demonstrates aseptic techniques appropriate to assigned discipline.
• Working knowledge of flow cytometry and/or immunocytochemistry preferred.
• Advance computer skills including expertise in the appropriate fields of ATCC's ERP system.
• Ability to lead others in the attainment of program goals and objectives.
• Ability to communicate effectively with management and in a cross-functional teams.

Other Duties:

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Founded in 1925, ATCC is a non-profit organization with a mission to acquire, authenticate, preserve, develop, standardize, and distribute biological materials and information for the advancement and application of scientific knowledge.

ATCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.