Location: Gaithersburg,MD, USA
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Senior Research Associate in Protein Biochemistry is responsible for contributing to the development and characterization of proteins for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Express recombinant proteins using various systems (e.g., bacterial, mammalian, insect).
• Purify proteins using chromatographic techniques (e.g., affinity, ion exchange, size exclusion).
• Perform biochemical and biophysical assays to assess purified proteins for quality, purity, and activity (e.g., SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, ELISA, UV/Vis spectroscopy).
• Analyze experimental data and present findings to the team.
• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records, including experimental procedures, results, and conclusions.
• Contribute to the preparation of technical reports, presentations, and scientific publications.
• Participate in project meetings and contribute to the design and planning of experiments.
• Communicate effectively with team members and external collaborators.
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor's in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field.
o Master's degree is preferred.
• A minimum of two years of hands-on laboratory experience in protein biochemistry required
o Academic or industry experience preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
• Proficiency in protein expression systems (e.g., E. coli, HEK293, Sf9).
• Experience with chromatographic purification techniques and equipment (e.g., ÄKTA systems).
• Familiarity with protein characterization methods (e.g., mass spectrometry, CD spectroscopy, DSC).
• Familiarity with methods for characterization of protein-protein interaction (e.g. SPR, BLI, ELISA)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrated aptitude for learning of and adhering to standard laboratory techniques and safety precautions.
• Solid communication (written and verbal) skills regardless of the format (e.g., documents, public speaking situations, presentations, etc.).
• Excellent organizational, planning, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple and often changing priorities and issues of varying complexity, while meeting time-sensitive deadlines and deliverables.
• Attention to detail with demonstrated commitment to excellence and performance.
• Demonstrated propensity to be creative, collaborative, proactive, and self-motivated in the execution and completion of assigned tasks.
• Ability to work both independently and as an effective team member.
• Ability to execute complex experiments with limited guidance.
• Ability to identify issues and troubleshoot solutions.
• Solid data analysis skills. Sound knowledge of MS Excel. Knowledge of GraphPad Prism and SharePoint a plus. Basic knowledge of statistics.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
• While performing the duties of this job, the individual is frequently required to sit and stand for long periods. The individual is occasionally required to walk; use hands and fingers to operate, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms.
• Up to 75% of the day may be spent at a lab bench.
• There are aspects of the position's duties that require a person in this role to work at heights above four (4) feet on occasion and move/lift up to 25 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
• Laboratory environment working with chemical reagents and performing some Biosafety Level 2 work.
o May involve handling of BSL-2 materials and organisms including human blood and/or blood products.
COMPENSATION SUMMARY:
The annual base salary for this position ranges from $66,200. to $98,500. This salary range represents a general guideline as MSD considers other factors when presenting an offer of employment, such as scope and responsibilities of the position, external market factors, and the candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, education and experience. Employees may qualify for a discretionary or non-discretionary bonus in addition to their base salary. These annual bonuses are intended to recognize individual performance and enable employees to benefit from the Company's overall success.
BENEFITS SUMMARY:
At MSD, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well-being and financial security. In addition to competitive salaries, our benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with prescription benefits. We provide a 401(k) plan with company matching, flexible spending accounts, and company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance as well as group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Our offerings also encompass paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, and paid parental leave, along with an employee assistance program. Additional voluntary perks include a fitness club membership contribution, pet insurance, identity theft protection, home and auto insurance discounts, and optional supplemental life insurance.
EEO/AA STATEMENT:
MSD is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, age, protected veteran status, pregnancy, disability status, or any other protected characteristic. For our full EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit here.
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