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 :
Join a dedicated team of scientists with diverse expertise within the Biospecimen Acquisition and Management team, part of the broader firm organization. Our team plays a crucial role in delivering essential biological materials to support product launches in the Molecular and Near Patient Care customer areas. The BioSpecimen Acquisition and Management function is a centralized service function which supports the acquisition, characterization, and management of biological materials, as well as build of select panels for clinical research and cultivation and characterization of various Microorganisms and Mammalian cell lines.

As a Scientist II, you will be an integral contributor, facilitating daily laboratory operations and managing sample delivery to fulfill service requests. Your efforts will provide project teams with the critical materials necessary to support new product launches.

• Under minimal supervision, executes assigned project activities using established procedures and applying scientific knowledge and accumulated experience to complete projects involving manipulating human cell lines, microorganism and/or other biological material.
• Perform standard microbiological techniques to culture diverse bacterial isolates under aerobic and anaerobic conditions for banking and delivery to clients. Responsible for maintaining and optimizing the growth of diverse microbes under various conditions.
• Makes recommendations to resolve problems encountered while performing procedures.
• Receives general direction; plans and executes own work. May act as a project lead.
• Maintains an effective scientific knowledge base and effectively uses broad scientific concepts to resolve problems of moderate scope and complexity.
• Analyzes alternative approaches to solve problems or develop new perspectives on existing solutions.
• Responsible for the accuracy, quality, and timeliness of all assigned projects, tasks and related activities. Summarizes experimental results, and reviews conclusions with supervisor/project leader. May communicate the results of experiments in the form of reports and presentations.
• Accountable for electronic records management and use of validated systems ensuring information is recorded in a timely manner, accurately and consistently.
• Performs work according to established internal safety guidelines and procedures, and as specified by appropriate external regulatory agencies (e.g., OSHA).
• Participates in routine lab maintenance, lab safety, ISO, and QSR implementation.

Required Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, or Microbiology or related field and 4+ years of relevant experience.
• Master's Degree in Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, or Microbiology or related field and 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience with aseptic techniques and bacterial or cell culture.
• Experience culturing within an anaerobic chamber preferred
• Experience performing bacterial enumeration, MPN and identification with MALDI-TOF. Familiarity with microbial taxonomy and identification.
• Must be able to manually manipulate samples (plating, pipetting, labeling and vialing) on a routine basis.
• Must be able to work in a laboratory environment on a daily basis under BSL-2 laboratory conditions. May work a variety of infectious human material (HxV, pathogenic bacteria, or engineered material, etc) and sample types (blood, serum, urine, stool etc).
• Must be able to work in a dynamic and collaborative team environment with multiple stakeholders across the organization.
• Understanding of good laboratory, data and documentation practices.

Preferred Skills:

• Flexibility with respect to projects, unique biological material handling requirements, and meeting client/organizational goals and expectations.
• Excellent analytical, problem solving, communication skills and strong data analysis skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced and cross-functional team.
• Good work ethic with a 'can-do' mentality and interest in approaching challenging questions with attention to details and independent, critical thinking.
• Able to grasp new concepts quickly.
• Knowledge of LIMS software and eLN.
• Experience with ddPCR.
• Project Management experience.
• 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.