Assay Scientist

When joining PerkinElmer, you select an experienced and trusted leader in scientific solutions, with the support of a global service network and distribution centers, providing the right solution, at the right time, to meet critical customer needs. With over an 80+ year legacy of advancing science and a mission of innovating for a healthier world, our dedicated team collaborates closely with commercial, government, academic and healthcare customers to deliver our broad portfolio of analytical solutions, and OneSource services.

Job Title

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and ambitious candidate to join the PerkinElmer OneSource Scientific Services team based at one of our customer sites in Stevenage.

The successful candidate will be working within the PerkinElmer Technical Lab Services (TLS) division and will be placed within a research unit at the customer site who have a focus on biology and life science R&D activities and are at the forefront of developing innovative and life-changing medicines for patients.

The candidate will work within a collaborative team environment across a diverse biotherapeutic portfolio within the company and have the opportunity to develop in PerkinElmer's scientific arena. The role will report to a dedicated PerkinElmer team leader supporting the R&D teams and will be based at the GSK Stevenage campus.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform routine laboratory research activities including but not limited to cell culture, sample preparation and assay reagent and media supply.
• Perform various biological assays as determined by the specific departmental work project or package and using both manual and automated techniques.
• Analysis and reporting of data using corporate tools; application of QC rules to show acceptability.
• Track assay performance metrics & communicate issues and suggest improvements to current assay methodology, supporting evaluation of new technologies where applicable.
• Be an active member of the scientific teams - contribute at team meetings by presenting data and looking for opportunities for innovation.
• Comply to Health and Safety procedures for own well-being and quality of product.
• Actively seek opportunities to develop the service by discussion with the team leader and customer or by the sharing of best practice with other groups.
• Assist with the preparation of SOPs, Risk Assessments and best practice guides.
• Act as an ambassador for TLS and promote PerkinElmer's core values.
• Operate to approved quality standards.
• Work independently and flexibly depending on team priorities and set realistic work schedules to support requirements.
• Perform any other reasonable duties as requested by the line manager or project team leader.

Preferred Education/Experience/Qualifications

• BSc or equivalent in relevant scientific subject (e.g. Biology, Biotechnology or Biomedical Sciences), with relevant laboratory experience.
• Demonstrable knowledge of cell culture, cell lines and aseptic technique.
• 1 year of demonstrated technical expertise in performing a variety of laboratory bioassays using manual and automated techniques.
• Understanding of standard software packages (i.e.: Microsoft Office)
• Highly motivated and independent, yet able to work well in a group setting.
• Ability to work independently and deliver high-quality, consistent results in a timely fashion.
• Ability to meet timelines successfully with the utmost attention to detail while setting high performance standards.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and communicate complex scientific data.
• Ability to execute new and established methods and protocols.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills

Physical Demands

The overall physical exertion of this position requires:

• Sit or stand 4-5 hours in laboratory areas.
• Work around moving laboratory equipment and machinery.
• Work with biohazards such as blood borne pathogens.
• Hepatitis B vaccination will be required, Vaccination programme in place for successful candidates who are not already vaccinated or require updated boosters.
• All work is carried out in a containment level 2 environment.
• Appropriate PPE must always be worn (Lab coat, gloves, eye protection).
• Reach above/below the shoulder, bend at the knees and waist.
• Office work activities, including keyboard, up to 2-3 hours.
• Must be able to work in a laboratory, controlled environments requiring personal protective equipment.
• Job pace may be fast and job completion demands may be high.
• Employee maybe required to manage hazardous wastes in compliance with company procedures & State/Federal/Local hazardous waste regulations. Duties may include: identifying, handling, generating, accumulating, storing, labelling.
• Ensure safety, security, and the environment in all aspect of the daily activities, and any potential safety hazards are addressed and corrected immediately.
• Understand ergonomic relationship between people, equipment and working environment.