The final salary or hourly wage, as applicable, paid to each candidate/applicant for this position is ultimately dependent on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s/applicant’s qualifications, skills, and level of experience as well as the geographical location of the position.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship not available.

Our client is seeking a Sr. Research Associate in Jersey, NJ.

Job Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing cell-based and biochemical assays to support the identification, optimization, and characterization of novel chemical matter.
• Designing and constructing cell lines and molecular tools for mechanism of action studies (MoA).
• Optimizing and assisting with DNA, RNA, and protein purification assays.
• Designing and conducting critical experiments by leveraging expertise in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and assay development to advance mechanism of action (MoA) studies.
• Analyzing and presenting data in a clear, organized and timely manner.
• Support biology needs for various projects and cross-functional drug discovery teams.

Skills & Requirements:

1. Extensive experience with mammalian cell culture techniques and cell-based assays.
2. Proficient in protein and nucleic acid techniques, including Western blotting, SDS-PAGE, qPCR and plasmid prep.
3. Strong data analysis and management skills.
4. Ability to use laboratory automation equipment and to develop assays in 96- or 384-well formats.
5. Excellent communication, presentation, collaboration, and organizational skills.
We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Associate Scientist or Associate Scientist with broad experience and a strong understanding of small-molecule drug discovery processes. The successful candidate will thrive in a collaborative, multi-disciplinary environment and will be responsible for: (1) developing and implementing robust cellular assays to support the discovery of small molecules as potential clinical candidates; and (2) executing in vitro studies to elucidate the mechanisms of action of novel compounds. The desired candidate should have broad experience in cell biology, biochemistry, in vitro cell culture techniques and a willingness to learn and adapt. Responsibilities include utilizing cellular models to develop and execute cell line construction, gene editing and development of new in vitro assays. The candidate will actively contribute to discovery project teams, collaborate with scientists across various functional areas, and play a key role in project-based decision-making.
1. Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, lentivirus preparation, cell line transfection, CRISPR KO nucleofection, siRNA and shRNA knockdowns, western blot and immunofluorescence analysis.
2. Strong understanding of, and willingness to learn in vitro cell-based assays, including but not limited to cell proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis assays, as well as MSD, and Incucyte-based growth assays.
3. Proficient in data analysis and management, including importing and exporting data to and from databases, with experience using a variety of scientific software applications.
4. Ability to use, or quickly learn, laboratory automation equipment and to develop assays in 96- or 384-well formats.
5. Familiarity with the discovery and optimization of novel small molecule entities, including lead identification and an understanding of key aspects of Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) support using biological assays, is a plus.
6. Experience with genome-wide screening techniques and genomics, including RNAseq, is a plus.
7. Excellent communication, presentation, collaboration, and organizational skills.
8. Strong attention to detail, with the ability to stay focused and deliver high-quality data in a timely and well-organized manner.
9. Proven ability to manage multiple projects and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic team environment, with flexibility and a positive attitude toward change.
Bachelor’s degree in biology with 3+ years or MS with 1+ year of experience

Benefits/Other Compensation

This position is a contract/temporary role where Hays offers you the opportunity to enroll in full medical benefits, dental benefits, vision benefits, 401K and Life Insurance ($20,000 benefit).

Why Hays?

You will be working with a professional recruiter who has intimate knowledge of the industry and market trends. Your Hays recruiter will lead you through a thorough screening process in order to understand your skills, experience, needs, and drivers. You will also get support on resume writing, interview tips, and career planning, so when there’s a position you really want, you’re fully prepared to get it.

Nervous about an upcoming interview? Unsure how to write a new resume?

Visit the Hays Career Advice section to learn top tips to help you stand out from the crowd when job hunting.

Hays is committed to building a thriving culture of diversity that embraces people with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better we serve our candidates, clients, and employees. We are an equal employment opportunity employer, and we comply with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, creed, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, marital status, genetic information, HIV-positive status, as well as any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. One of Hays’ guiding principles is ‘do the right thing’.
We also believe that actions speak louder than words.
In that regard, we train our staff on ensuring inclusivity throughout the entire recruitment process and counsel our clients on these principles. If you have any questions about Hays or any of our processes, please contact us.

In accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law protecting qualified individuals with known disabilities, Hays will attempt to reasonably accommodate those individuals unless doing so would create an undue hardship on the company. Any qualified applicant or consultant with a disability who requires an accommodation in order to perform the essential functions of the job should call or text 813.336.5570.

Drug testing may be required; please contact a recruiter for more information.

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