Scientist II

Software Guidance & Assistance, Inc., (SGA), is searching for a Scientist II for a CONTRACT assignment with one of our premier Pharmaceutical Services clients in Pleasanton, CA.

Responsibilities:
Firm Diagnostic Solutions is seeking a qualified and highly motivated individual for the role of Scientist II in BioSpecimen Acquisition and Management to support Culture Collection and Panel Production activities. The
BioSpecimen Acquisition and Management function at Firm Diagnostic Solutions is a centralized service organization that supports the acquisition, characterization, and management of biological materials, as well as the development of select panels for clinical research and the cultivation and characterization of various microorganisms and mammalian cell lines. The Scientist II position facilitates daily operations associated with fulfilling service requests for Culture Collection and panel activities, while providing best-in-class, practical biological solutions to internal customers to drive innovation at Firm Diagnostic Solutions.

• Under minimal supervision, execute assigned project activities using established procedures and applying scientific knowledge and accumulated experience to complete projects involving manipulation of human cell lines, microorganisms, and/or other biological materials.
• Perform standard recombinant DNA techniques, including cloning, restriction digestion, ligation, and bacterial transformation.
• Perform routine and specialized cell culture procedures using adherent and suspension immortalized cell lines.
• Analyze plasmid DNA and RNA transcripts for purity, concentration, and quality.
• Make recommendations to resolve problems encountered during experimental procedures.
• Receive general direction; plan and execute own work. May act as a project lead.
• Maintain an effective scientific knowledge base and apply broad scientific concepts to resolve problems of moderate scope and complexity.
• Analyze alternative approaches to solve problems or develop new perspectives on existing solutions.
• Ensure accuracy, quality, and timeliness of all assigned projects, tasks, and related activities. Summarize experimental results and review conclusions with supervisor or project lead. Communicate results through written reports and presentations as needed.
• Maintain accurate electronic records using validated systems, ensuring data is recorded in a timely, accurate, and consistent manner.
• Perform work in accordance with established internal safety guidelines and procedures, and as specified by applicable external regulatory agencies (e.g., OSHA).
• Participate in routine laboratory maintenance, laboratory safety activities, ISO, and QSR implementation.

Required Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, Microbiology, or a related field with 5+ years of relevant experience, or
• Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, Microbiology, or a related field with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience with aseptic techniques and bacterial and/or mammalian cell culture.
• Ability to manually manipulate samples (including plating, pipetting, labeling, and vialing) on a routine basis, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Experience with cloning techniques, including plasmid design and preparation, restriction enzyme digestion, ligation, bacterial transformation, and downstream processing.
• Experience performing nucleic acid extractions (DNA/RNA), quantification, amplification, and characterization using tools such as Qubit, Nanodrop, gel electrophoresis, and PCR instruments.
• Ability to work in a laboratory environment on a daily basis under BSL-2 laboratory conditions, with or without reasonable accommodation, including work with infectious or engineered biological materials and a variety of sample types (e.g., blood, serum, urine, stool).
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, collaborative team environment with multiple stakeholders across the organization.
• Understanding of good laboratory practices, data integrity, and documentation standards.
• Ability to plan work independently and determine next steps within the context of an overall project.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google applications.
• Highly organized and detail oriented.
• Flexible and adaptable to shifting priorities, unique biological material handling requirements, and evolving organizational needs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Passionate about biorepository management and working within a global, matrixed organization.
• Demonstrated aptitude for cross-functional collaboration.
• Results- and goals-oriented mindset.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with LIMS software, electronic lab notebooks (eLN), and JMP is preferred.
• Client-facing experience is a plus.

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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