R&D Associate Scientist in Saco, Maine at MMQCI

 Drive Innovation in Molecular Diagnostics R&D!

MMQCI is seeking an R&D Associate Scientist to conduct a variety of general laboratory procedures under the guidance and supervision of the R&D Lab Supervisor and the R&D Manager. The role is expected to provide daily lab support activities to maintain the R&D laboratory area as well as to assist in various tasks for new product development and validation of quality control products for clinical molecular diagnostic tests. The R&D Associate Scientist will be responsible for maintaining lab inventory, ordering and stocking lab supplies, preparing and aliquoting laboratory buffers and reagents. This role will also be assigned a variety of molecular biology techniques, including plasmid purifications, RNA transcriptions, nucleic acid extraction, PCR and other molecular diagnostic assays to support product development activities.

What You Will Get to Do

• Prepare materials such as buffers, reagents, bacterial culture plates and broths, according to approved protocols and SOPs for support of Product Development activities
• Maintain and stock inventory supplies, assist in the washing of laboratory glassware, and in the cleaning of laboratory benches and equipment and other chore related activities according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to support the R&D Laboratories
• Conduct various molecular techniques to support the development, validation, and manufacturing of new quality control products for molecular diagnostic tests according to current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP)
• Perform accurate and reproducible testing in accordance with SOP’s following all MMQCI’s protocols based on cGMP and International Organization Standards (ISO) quality systems by consistently and accurately filling out appropriate paperwork and following appropriate procedures
• Support in the validation of new products under Design Control according to FDA 21CFR820 regulations and to help prepare appropriate reports according to MMQCI’s Quality System
• Operate pH meters, conductivity meters, balances, autoclaves and laboratory equipment
• May help to organize data, under the guidance of the lead scientist to assist in the interpretation of results
• May be trained to work with pathogens in a BSL2 environment

Required Skills & Experience

• A.S, B.A. or B.S. in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, or in a relevant discipline
• Familiarity with general laboratory techniques, including pipette handling, amplification, electrophoresis, nucleic acid extractions is preferred
• Ability to accurately perform a variety of procedures requiring fine motor skills with attention to details
• Flexible; accustomed to fast-changing priorities of a small company
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail
• Strong work ethic and ability to multitask
• Basic skills in applicable computer programs, including data entry/analysis (e.g., Excel or equivalent) and scientific documentation tools, along with comfort performing routine calculations (dilutions, molarity, basic statistics)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Must be able to stand for several hours and lift approximately 30 lbs

Why You’ll Love Working Here  

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a growing diagnostic company
• Collaborative, mission-driven team environment 
• Competitive compensation and benefits   

Benefits We Offer

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Company profit sharing program
• Paid time off: including vacation, holidays, and sick leave
• Paid Parental Leave Program

The pay range for this position is $50,000 to $80,000 annually

Get to know the MMQCI team! 
https://www.mmqci.com/about/employee-spotlight/employee-spotlight.html
 
Maine Molecular Quality Controls, Inc. (MMQCI) designs, develops, manufactures, and sells unique quality control products used by hospital laboratories and manufacturers to monitor the accuracy of tests for genetic, oncologic, and infectious diseases. MMQCI has proprietary technologies to stabilize DNA and RNA for use as quality controls and continues to pursue the discovery of novel techniques useful for the development of new quality control products.

 MMQCI is conveniently located in beautiful southern coastal Maine, minutes from the Maine Turnpike, Portland International Jetport, and less than 2 hours from Boston. Close by are fabulous Portland restaurants, sandy beaches, and a plentiful supply of Maine lobsters! Many terrific outdoor activities are easily accessible including hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, skiing and snowshoeing. We’re in a state-of-the-art facility, located in Saco, right next to the Eastern Trail. Come join us!

Interested in joining our team? Please submit both a resume and cover letter with your application for consideration.