Job Title: Biophysics Research Associate
Location: 1250 S. Collegeville Road, Collegeville, PA 19426
Hours: 40 hours/week, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (flexible schedule)
Position Overview:
We are seeking a motivated Scientific Service Specialist 1 to join the Biophysics group within our R&D team in Upper Providence, PA. This role involves generating and analyzing biophysical assay data to support drug discovery efforts, specifically focusing on protein characterization and protein-ligand binding analysis. The ideal candidate will work closely with protein biochemists and structural biologists, contributing to high-quality data generation and supporting the transformation of data acquisition and integration within the team.
Daily Responsibilities:
- Conduct biophysical assays and data analysis to support the drug discovery pipeline, including protein characterization and protein-ligand binding assays.
- Work in a matrix team environment, collaborating with cross-functional business partners to achieve project objectives.
- Organize, interpret, and present experimental results at group meetings.
- Perform routine laboratory maintenance and ensure compliance with safety protocols and ethical standards.
- Maintain an electronic laboratory notebook to document experiments and results.
- Ensure proper inventory management by routinely checking and maintaining laboratory supplies.
- Follow detailed protocols and maintain high standards of notetaking and data documentation.
- Ensure compliance with all R&D data integrity practices, safety codes, and environmental regulations.
Working Environment:
- Work will be primarily in a laboratory setting, with potential exposure to hazardous materials, requiring the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- The job pace may be fast, with high demands for job completion.
- Employee may be required to manage hazardous waste in compliance with company and regulatory standards.
Skills and Qualifications:
- Education: BS in a life sciences discipline (e.g., biophysics, analytical chemistry, biochemistry).
- Experience: Laboratory research experience, preferably in quantitative or analytical sciences.
Technical Skills:
- Strong practical knowledge of protein biochemistry and biophysics.
- Experience with biophysical analysis techniques such as thermal stability analysis, microscale thermophoresis, surface plasmon resonance, and hydrogen deuterium exchange mass spectrometry is highly desirable.
- Proficiency in curve fitting, regression analysis, mathematical modeling, or other quantitative data analysis techniques.
- Familiarity with working with purified proteins for biophysical analysis, enzymology, or structural biology.
- Additional Skills:
- Ability to handle, store, label, and ensure the safety of scientific materials and data.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to summarize and present findings to a varied audience.
- Strong data handling skills, including acquisition, manipulation, and documentation of experimental data.
Physical Demands:
- Ability to remain stationary for more than 25% of the time.
- Regular movement within the lab, including bending, squatting, and reaching for instruments or materials.
- Must be able to lift and move up to 25 pounds regularly, and occasionally up to 100 pounds.
- Specific vision abilities required include close-range observation, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus for detailed work with instruments.
Success/Performance Metrics:
- Successful completion of assigned biophysical assays with high accuracy and timely delivery of data.
- Effective collaboration with cross-functional teams to achieve project objectives.
- Clear, concise communication of experimental results and findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Soft Skills:
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Proficient in scientific data handling, including acquisition, manipulation, and visualization of experimental data.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.