Research Associate
Pilgrim
Summary
As a Research Associate at Pilgrim, you'll run experiments that support ARGUS's development, from bioaerosol collection through sample preparation, qPCR, and sequencing. You'll own reagent preparation, sample storage, and consumable inventory. Working with scientists, you'll troubleshoot unexpected findings and produce reliable data that guides improvements to the system.
Job description
About the Role
As a Research Associate at Pilgrim, you'll run experiments that support ARGUS's development, from bioaerosol collection through sample preparation, qPCR, and sequencing. You'll own reagent preparation, sample storage, and consumable inventory. Working with scientists, you'll troubleshoot unexpected findings and produce reliable data that guides improvements to the system.
Responsibilities
- Execute experiments to evaluate sample preparation methods, assay performance, and sequencing workflows.
- Collect bioaerosol samples and process environmental samples through concentration, nucleic acid extraction, and quality checks.
- Prepare and run qPCR assays with appropriate controls to evaluate sample recovery, inhibition, and assay performance.
- Perform genomics and next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflows, including library preparation, sequencing-run setup and execution, and quality control.
- Compile results, identify failed controls or inconsistent measurements, and help troubleshoot experiments.
- Own reagent preparation and consumable inventory, including storage, expiration tracking, and replenishment with Supply Chain.
- Document experiments, results, and deviations; update protocols as improvements are tested and confirmed.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's or master's degree in molecular biology, biology, biochemistry, microbiology, bioengineering, or a related field, or equivalent laboratory experience.
- Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR or qPCR, and sample quantification.
- Ability to independently execute multistep laboratory protocols and document methods, results, and deviations.
- Experience interpreting assay controls and sample quality measurements to identify failed or unreliable results.
Preferred
- Experience with molecular assay development or validation, sequencing library preparation, nanopore sequencing, or complex environmental samples, including bioaerosols.
Requirements
- Bachelor's or master's degree in molecular biology, biology, biochemistry, microbiology, bioengineering, or a related field, or equivalent laboratory experience.
- Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR or qPCR, and sample quantification.
- Ability to independently execute multistep laboratory protocols and document methods, results, and deviations.
- Experience interpreting assay controls and sample quality measurements to identify failed or unreliable results.
- Experience with molecular assay development or validation, sequencing library preparation, nanopore sequencing, or complex environmental samples, including bioaerosols.
Company overview
Pilgrim is a company operating in the retail health and personal care products sector, focusing on providing consumer-oriented health and wellness solutions. The company specializes in developing and distributing personal care items that cater to modern consumer needs for health maintenance and self-care. While specific product details are limited, Pilgrim appears to operate within the broader life science service and supply chain, bridging the gap between healthcare innovation and consumer accessibility. The company's positioning in the retail health space suggests a commitment to making health and wellness products more accessible to the general public through traditional and potentially digital retail channels. As part of the life science ecosystem, Pilgrim contributes to the distribution network that connects manufacturers with end consumers, playing a vital role in the commercialization of health and personal care innovations. The company's focus on retail distribution indicates an emphasis on consumer education, product accessibility, and market penetration strategies within the competitive health and wellness sector.