Scientific Specialist
PerkinElmer
Summary
This position will support drug discovery at a client site in a Cambridge, MA facility with a focus on executing medium- to high-throughput cell-based screens and assays using integrated automation platforms. This includes high-throughput liquid handlers and multi-instrument systems run with scheduling software. The successful candidate will develop, optimize, and program automated workflows, serve as the first responder for automation troubleshooting and error recovery. They will train automation users on best practices to ensure reliable routine operation. In addition, the candidate will maintain, expand, and characterize cell lines and primary cell cultures to provide consistent, assay-ready material for screening campaigns. The candidate will provide hands-on support for screening campaigns and assay transfer, optimization, validation, and troubleshooting, evaluating assay performance, robustness, and reproducibility. They will work closely with therapeutic area and functional area scientists, manage laboratory inventories, handle biohazardous materials, and conduct all work in compliance with established protocols and laboratory safety requirements, while adapting to rapidly changing priorities and deadlines. This is a full time on-site position in Cambridge, MA.
Job description
Job Responsibilities
- Execute and support medium- to high-throughput cell-based screens and assays using integrated automation platforms including high throughput liquid handlers and multi-instrument integration using scheduling software, in close collaboration with therapeutic area and functional area scientists.
- Train automation users on key concepts associated with the platforms to support best-practice and mitigate avoidable run failures, ensuring optimal routine operation.
- Develop, optimize, and program automated workflows for assay development, plate preparation, liquid handling, reagent addition, incubation, and endpoint readouts.
- 'First-responder' for automation troubleshooting and error recovery.
- Maintain, expand, characterize, and prepare cell lines and primary cell cultures to ensure consistent, assay-ready material for screening campaigns.
- Provide hands-on support for screening campaigns, including plate handling, sample processing, assay execution
- Support assay transfer, optimization, validation, and troubleshooting, including evaluation of assay performance, controls, robustness, and reproducibility.
- Flexibility to accommodate to rapidly changing priorities and deadlines.
- Manage laboratory inventories and handle biohazardous materials according to safety protocols.
- Comply with laboratory safety procedures and guidelines
Critical Skills
Strong knowledge and wet lab experience high-throughput cell-based screens and assays using integrated automation platforms including high throughput liquid handlers and multi-instrument integration using scheduling software.
Basic Qualifications
B.Sc. with 2+ years of industry or research experience in Genomics, Immunology, Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biological engineering, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related life sciences discipline OR M.Sc. with 1+ years of industry or pharma research in Genomics, Immunology, Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biological engineering, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related life sciences discipline
Strong knowledge of Genomics and cell biology
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong hands-on experience in performing and analyzing complex cell-based assays in Genomics
- Ability to interpret and analyze data from key biological, biochemical, and immunological assays systems and design appropriate follow up experiments
- Experience with primary stromal cell cultures and developing in vitro models of fibrosis
- Knowledgeable in immuno-fluorescence microscopy / high-content imaging and multi-color flow cytometry preferred
- Experience using MesoScale Discovery, Luminex, ELISA, or related analytical platforms
- Knowledge of inflammatory and/or auto-immunity related mechanisms of disease
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities
- Passion for innovation and problem-solving
- Team player with effective written and oral communication skills
- Good organizational and time management skills
Requirements
- B.Sc. with 2+ years of industry or research experience in Genomics, Immunology, Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biological engineering, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related life sciences discipline OR M.Sc. with 1+ years of industry or pharma research in Genomics, Immunology, Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biological engineering, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related life sciences discipline
- Strong knowledge and wet lab experience high-throughput cell-based screens and assays using integrated automation platforms including high throughput liquid handlers and multi-instrument integration using scheduling software
- Strong knowledge of Genomics and cell biology
Company overview
PerkinElmer is a global leader focused on innovating for a healthier world. The company provides advanced solutions to scientists, researchers, and clinicians to help them address their most critical challenges across the life sciences, diagnostics, food, and environmental markets. With a rich history spanning over 80 years, PerkinElmer offers a comprehensive portfolio of instruments, reagents, consumables, software, and services that enable customers to accelerate research, improve laboratory productivity, and enhance patient care. The company's expertise spans genomics, drug discovery, diagnostics, and applied markets, serving customers in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, academic, government, and industrial sectors worldwide. PerkinElmer's technologies support critical applications including COVID-19 testing, cancer research, genetic screening, and environmental monitoring, making significant contributions to scientific advancement and public health.