Research Associate, Molecular Biology

Location: Germantown, MD, US

Work Level: Full-time Regular

Precigen is seeking a highly motivated and creative Research Associate-Research Associate II (level TBD based on candidate experience) with exceptional laboratory skills to support our human health initiatives at our Germantown, MD location. The candidate will independently perform and be responsible for cell-based assays, tissue culture experiments, general molecular biology techniques, and plasmid construction. This position will require flexibility to handle several cell-based projects at the same time. Laboratory aptitude, electronic laboratory notebook maintenance, and good communication skills are important.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• B.S. or M.S. in Molecular Biology, Immunology, or related field.
• Minimum two (2) years of laboratory research experience, preferably in an industry setting.
• Also required are combinations of the following skills:
  1. Proficiency in sterile cell culture techniques, particularly maintenance and manipulation of mammalian cell lines
  2. Experience with viral transduction and other methods of gene expression such as transfection or electroporation
  3. Prior work with primary immune cells 
  4. Cell-based reporter gene assays using luciferase or GFP
  5. Microplate-based immunoassays, i.e. ELISAs
  6. Tissue processing for nucleic acid analysis
  7. General molecular biology techniques (i.e. nucleic acid purification, qPCR, RT-qPCR)
  8. Familiarity with molecular cloning techniques (i.e. transformation, plasmid prep, restriction digest, Gibson assembly) highly desirable
  9. Knowledge of multicolor flow cytometry 
  10. Documentation using an Electronic Laboratory Notebook
• Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office, statistical software, and data presentation.

DESIRED KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Excellent communication skills.
• Enthusiastic about learning new techniques.
• Self motivated and independently minded.
• Positive interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with individuals from a variety of levels and function.
• Self-organizer, meticulous hands-on habits, keen attention to detail.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
• Responsive, optimistic, can-do attitude.
• Can coordinate parallel tasks across multiple projects, demonstrating prioritization.
• Ability to quickly adapt to a rapidly changing environment and demands.
• Ability to interpret and effectively execute upon a variety of instructions provided in written, oral, diagram or schedule formats.