Senior Scientist - Microbiology

The Senior Scientist, Microbiology, will be responsible for initiating, executing and managing R&D projects to develop technologies related to stabilization of infectious disease-based products for life sciences and research applications. The Senior Scientist plans, executes and troubleshoots research activities and investigates the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and concepts towards development of new and/or improved products. The Senior Scientist will be expected to identify new and improved technologies to apply towards the development and stabilization of products related to infectious disease agents. The Senior Scientist will also write application notes, journal articles, and invention disclosures, as needed, and may give talks, posters, and webinars in support of marketing activities. The incumbent will work closely with cross-functional representatives from other departments on new technology development projects and will participate in or lead cross-functional product development teams. Performance will be evaluated with respect to the quality and rigor of project design and execution, adherence to timelines, productivity, and contribution to the team and organizational goals.

The Senior Scientist may mentor/supervise staff and is expected to lead by example. The incumbent supports, complies with, and enforce all ATCC corporate policies and procedures.

This position must work and think independently; the duties of this position are to be completed under administrative guidance. Decision making is a component of this position, and decisions have an impact on the overall success of the R&D team. Functions are to be completed in a timely manner with acceptable quality.

Responsible for inception and execution of technology development projects within the Cryobiology Department, including initial design, preservation/stabilization feasibility testing, development, troubleshooting, and tech transfer.

Works closely with the formulation development team to develop novel techniques for preservation/stabilization of microorganisms.

Plans, designs and executes preservation/stabilization studies of microorganisms using various preservation techniques including lyophilization and cryopreservation.

Develop and perform analytical assays as needed to assess stability and integrity of product formulations in various formats under a wide variety of storage conditions.

Development of robust SOPs for tech transfer of new and/or improved methods to preserve/stabilize microorganisms, Operations and support of projects through successful technology transfer.

Initiate, direct, and execute assigned scientific research. Design studies and conduct experimental research and investigations to explore and support scientific discovery and development.

Plan and execute laboratory research. Carry out routine tasks. Troubleshoot technical problems, data analysis and test methods, and document corrective action.

Investigate the feasibility of applying scientific principles and concepts to potential inventions, products, and problems.

Record, analyze, and interpret study data.

Develop research documentation, such as protocols, reports, presentations, publications, manuscripts, and/or summaries.

Anticipates technical risks and develops mitigation strategies that ensure the projects are executed with full scientific rigor and deliver robust products and tech transfer protocols and processes that are on-time, on-budget, and to specification.

Develops appropriate application data to support posters at scientific conferences, webinars, website content, IP filings, and other needs, as appropriate.

Remains current with knowledge in relevant scientific fields and brings new product development ideas into the pipeline, and monitors new product introduction of key competitors.

Explores technologies, approaches, and intellectual properties that would improve products and product convenience, stability, productivity, and margin.

Identifies and establishes working relationships with external Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) to help determine the voice of customers (VOC), drive product specifications, and provide early product performance data.

Will participate on and/or lead product development Core Teams.

May informally or formally mentor or supervise junior staff and develop and enforce performance management goals and metrics.

Manage activities efficiently and effectively to meet projects' timelines and performance requirements in alignment with team and corporate goals.

Ensure the quality standards and scientific integrity in research activities are maintained.

Embraces the ATCC Mission, directives and corporate goals.

Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or other related disciplines with 5 - 8 years of relevant work experience is required.
• A Bachelor's degree in a life science field and 15 - 18 years of relevant experience or a Master's degree in a life science field and 13 - 16 years of relevant experience may be substituted for a Ph.D.
• 4 - 6 years of relevant hands-on experience in Microbiology is required, additional years are highly preferred.
• Two or more years' experience in industry and/or product development is highly desirable. Experience building and maintaining internal and external relationships is desired as is hands-on supervisory experience.
• Experience with assay development and troubleshooting.
• Product development experience in an ISO 9001 industrial setting is highly preferred. Experience in molecular diagnostics and in particular infectious disease diagnostics is highly desirable.
• Bioinformatics knowledge and skills are preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge and hands-on expertise in molecular biology, including but not limited to PCR, RT-PCR, ddPCR, DNA and RNA isolation, advanced molecular cloning techniques, molecular probe techniques and sequence modifications.
• Hands-on experience in preservation/stabilization of microbiological products and analytical assay design and development.
• Knowledge/experience in molecular testing and diagnostics.
• Current knowledge of microbial genomics and bioinformatics tools and resources including search and alignment tools.
• Demonstrated ability to use Biostatisticscal tools.
• Strong work ethic and an attitude of personal ownership, leadership, and accountability for the success of a program.
• Demonstrated ability to think innovatively, creatively, and to exercise sound scientific judgment.
• Attentive to detail with a high level of accuracy, strong project planning, troubleshooting, and time management skills.
• Seeks, learns, and applies new skills/knowledge to perform job responsibilities.
• Ability to efficiently multi-task and appropriately prioritize projects.
• Strong problem-solving skills to identify, evaluate, and correct potential problems early.
• Self-starter, motivated and focused; ability to work independently as well as part of a team effort.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including excellent listening skills and presentation skills to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively.
• Ability to build and maintain strong internal and external relationships.
• Strong computer skills using Microsoft Office and other scientific software.
• Adaptable; be able to shift priorities and focus as departmental and/or business demands change including, but not limited to early/late hours and/or weekend hours.
• Follow all company safety practices, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and policies.

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.