Research Associate I

Software Guidance & Assistance, Inc., (SGA), is searching for a Research Associate I for a CONTRACT assignment with one of our premier Pharmaceutical Services clients in South San Francisco, CA.

Responsibilities:
The Complex in vitro Systems (CiS) lab in Translational Safety is seeking a motivated and experienced laboratory-based Research Associate I (Contractor) to join our gastrointestinal functional team. Our mission is to develop, characterize and implement cutting-edge complex in vitro models (CIVMs) to support the broader Research and Developmental Sciences at firm. This 1 yr position will provide technical support for a cross-functional effort to deeply characterize cellular response towards various small molecules and biologics across human intestinal model systems to enhance clinical intestinal risk predictions.
The candidate should have extensive expertise in cell culture, particularly with organoids or other CIVMs. Technical expertise in cell viability assays and microscopy highly desirable. This is an ideal position for a candidate who wants to be at the forefront of 3D tissue modeling technologies and can thrive in a fast-paced and diverse research environment; strong organizational, multi-tasking, collaboration, and communication skills are critical.

• Provide technical assistance developing and implementing in vitro assays using intestinal organoid-derived models.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to characterize in vitro response to various small molecules and biologics, including but not limited to cell viability assays, permeability assays high throughput imaging and single cell RNA-sequencing.
• Independently execute toxicity and image-based assays.
• Partner with culture automation teams to establish workflows for high throughput screens.
• Analyze, interpret, and present data to collaborators and stakeholders as appropriate, with clear verbal and written communication.
• Maintain detailed electronic documentation consistent with departmental SOPs, covering execution and results, and contribute to final reports as appropriate.
• This role will involve sitting and standing for extended periods, performing some repetitive tasks, and working with potentially hazardous materials including, but not limited to, chemotherapeutics, biological hazards, and human primary cells.

Required Skills:

• BS/MS in biology, bioengineering, biomedical engineering, pharmacology/toxicology, or a related field with 4+ years of wet lab-based experience in academic, biotech/pharmaceutic, or research organizations.
• Proficient in molecular biology/quantitative end point assays such as antibody (ELISA) and cell-based viability assays (LDH, CellTiter-Glo) at scale (96-384 well formats).
• Experience with routine imaging and image-based analysis is preferred, including immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy, and high-content imaging. The candidate will be responsible for sample preparation and imaging.
• While not required, technical backgrounds in laboratory automation, computational analysis and single cell RNA-sequencing are a plus, the candidate will collaborate closely with colleagues in these fields.

Preferred Skills:

• Significant laboratory-based expertise with tissue culture is required, particularly with primary tissue-derived cell lines or iPSCs. Experience with 3D organoid or organoid-derived technologies (monolayers, microphysiological systems/chips, etc) is highly desirable.

• Experience developing, qualifying, and applying CIVMs in a biotech/pharmaceutical setting is highly desirable.

SGA is a technology and resource solutions provider driven to stand out. We are a women-owned business. Our mission: to solve big IT problems with a more personal, boutique approach. Each year, we match consultants like you to more than 1,000 engagements. When we say let's work better together, we mean it. You'll join a diverse team built on these core values: customer service, employee development, and quality and integrity in everything we do. Be yourself, love what you do and find your passion at work. Please find us at .

SGA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of Race, Color, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Religion, National Origin, Disability, Veteran Status, Age, Marital Status, Pregnancy, Genetic Information, or Other Legally Protected Status. We are committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, and our services, programs, and activities. Please visit our company to request an accommodation or assistance regarding our policy.

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