LGC’s Clinical Diagnostics Division develops and manufactures a comprehensive portfolio of catalog and custom-developed diagnostic quality solutions and component materials for the extended life sciences industry. We partner with IVD assay developers, and pharmaceutical, CRO and academic institutions in commercialization activities across the entire diagnostic pipeline - from concept and early stage research, through expedited product development and onwards into routine clinical use. Laboratorians and diagnostic professionals across disciplines of clinical chemistry, immunochemistry, serology, molecular diagnostics and clinical genomics rely on LGC’s products to support accurate and reliable diagnostic results.
Our operating entities include SeraCare Life Sciences and Maine Standards Company, which are in vitro diagnostics (IVD) manufacturers of quality measurement tools (calibrators, controls, linearity, EQA/PT, biological materials) and the Native Antigen Company, which is a manufacturer and supplier of viral antigens. Our 300+ employees operate FDA-registered and ISO 13485-accredited facilities in Maine, Massachusetts and Maryland, USA, and an ISO 9001-accredited facility in Oxford, UK.
Each day, our world-class staff, scientific expertise, operational efficiency and superior quality systems are ready to support the range of advanced technologies that collectively improve patient outcomes - from the widely adopted and established through to cutting-edge NGS and precision diagnostics.
The Research Associate II, OEM/Special Projects supports the research, development, verification, and optimization of molecular diagnostic products, reagents, and associated processes. This role independently performs routine and non-routine laboratory procedures utilizing cellular and molecular biology techniques to quantify, characterize, and manipulate genetic material. The position is responsible for executing assigned experiments, maintaining accurate documentation, analyzing experimental data, and contributing to project objectives within established timelines. The Research Associate II works with moderate supervision, applies scientific knowledge to troubleshoot routine technical challenges, and collaborates effectively with cross-functional teams to support product development activities.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to capably perform each of the following essential duties:
- Perform general molecular techniques such as nucleic acid purification, gel-electrophoresis, RNA transcription, cell culture, and bacterial culture
- Perform nucleic acid analysis (RNA/DNA integrity analysis, real time qPCR, digital PCR) and analyze results
- Culture cells using aseptic techniques and downstream processing of cultured cells
- Manufacture product following standard operating procedures and work instructions provided
- Organize projects and data using Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and a document control system (EtQ)
- Work with supervisor to plan and execute experiments and tasks as assigned according to the timelines and ensure documentation meets GLP/GMP requirements
- Record test results and data records, seek appropriate approval and file according to established procedures
- Maintain, calibrate, and operate equipment according to established protocols. Monitor equipment for appropriate operation within set parameters and refer abnormal results to lab management
- Plan for raw material requirements by maintaining appropriate inventory of reagents and ordering reagents as needed through an ERP system (SAP)
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to complete assigned custom project related activities
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment while adhering to applicable safety and quality requirements
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to improve laboratory processes, efficiency, and data quality
- Accurately document laboratory activities, test results, observations, and data in laboratory notebooks and electronic systems in compliance with applicable quality standards and regulatory requirements
- Identify and communicate routine technical issues, recommend solutions, and assist with implementing corrective actions
- Assist in the development, revision, and review of standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and technical documentation
- Manage laboratory inventory, monitor reagent supplies, and support procurement activities through ERP systems such as SAP
- Adhere to company Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) policy
- Perform other duties as required, or assigned by management, to meet business needs
Qualifications
- Master's degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biological Sciences, or a related scientific discipline with no prior experience required; OR Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biological Sciences, or a related scientific discipline with relevant laboratory experience
- Experience in Molecular Biology related activities such DNA/RNA Purification, PCR (endpoint, real time PCR or digital PCR), DNA/RNA electrophoresis and DNA/RNA processing and/or modifications
- First-hand experience with aseptic techniques
- Proficient with Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Demonstrated communication skills, with the ability to communicate in various formats to internal teams
Desired Knowledge and Qualifications:
- 3+ years of relevant laboratory experience
- Experience working on third party customer product development and manufacturing
- Experience with mammalian cell culture and viral cultures
- Experience guiding or training research associates on established procedures
- Experience in performing data interpretation/analysis after project execution for team review
- Proficiency in ERP systems such as IFS, SAP, or Microsoft Dynamics
- Experience handling products under ISO13485 quality management system
- Experience working in GMP environment, following SOPs, generating customer facing documents and documentation for QA review and approval
Behavioural and Interpersonal Competencies:
- Resonate and operate in line with LGC’s core value behaviors: Passion, Curiosity, Integrity, Brilliance, and Respect
- Ability to work well in a team environment, willingness to adapt to changes and a proven ability to exert influence in a directive and positive manner
- Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment
- Demonstrated autonomy: ability to self-start and drive while recognizing the appropriate time for stakeholder engagement
- Adaptable and willing to take on multiple new tasks and responsibilities while managing and prioritizing multiple tasks within a dynamic work environment
- Ability to perform preliminary data interpretation and analysis and communicate results effectively
- Strong organizational, planning, and documentation skills
- Ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet established timelines
- Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities
- Commitment to maintaining laboratory safety, quality, and regulatory compliance standards
Additional Information
The typical pay range for this role is:
Minimum: $27.00 USD per hour
Maximum: $41.00 USD per hour
Entry level candidates and those who are already proficient and bring relevant experience typically fall between $27.00 per hour and $30.00 per hour.
New hires receive the hourly rate between the minimum and maximum of the range, with the amount offered determined by factors such as internal equity, education, previous experience, skills relevant to the position.
This position is eligible for a discretionary bonus program. Participation in the bonus program is not guaranteed, and bonuses are awarded at the discretion of the company based on individual and company performance results.
What we offer (US based-employees):
- Competitive compensation with strong bonus program
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits for employees and dependents
- FSA/HSA Pre-tax savings plans for health care, childcare, and elder care
- Deductible Buffer Insurance and Critical Illness Insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with matching employer contribution
- Company-paid short- and long- term disability, life insurance, and employee assistance program
- Flexible work options
- Pet Insurance for our furry friends
- Enhanced Parental leave of 8 additional weeks
- PTO that begins immediately
- Town Hall monthly meeting onsite/virtual, Cheer program where employees are recognized for outstanding work, Companywide social events, frequent catered lunches and much more!
LGC strongly believes that every job applicant and employee should be valued for their individual talents regardless of age, disability, race, color, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion, or belief. Short listing, interviewing and selection will always be carried out without regard to gender, sexual orientation, marital status, color, race, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, age, or trade union membership.
For more information about LGC, please visit our website www.lgcgroup.com
#scienceforasaferworld
Skills Required
- Master's degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biological Sciences, or a related scientific discipline; no prior experience required
- Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biological Sciences, or a related scientific discipline with relevant laboratory experience
- Experience with molecular biology activities, including DNA/RNA purification, endpoint PCR, real-time PCR, digital PCR, electrophoresis, or DNA/RNA processing and modification
- First-hand experience with aseptic techniques
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Demonstrated communication skills for communicating with internal teams
- Three or more years of relevant laboratory experience
- Experience with third-party customer product development and manufacturing
- Experience with mammalian cell culture and viral cultures
- Experience guiding or training research associates on established procedures
- Experience performing data interpretation and analysis after project execution
- Proficiency with ERP systems such as IFS, SAP, or Microsoft Dynamics
- Experience handling products under an ISO 13485 quality management system
- Experience working in a GMP environment and preparing SOPs, customer-facing documents, and QA documentation
LGC Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about LGC and has not been reviewed or approved by LGC.
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Healthcare Strength — Health, dental, and vision coverage with FSA/HSA options are consistently part of the package, and private medical is cited where applicable in the UK. Coverage is often characterized as solid alongside other core benefits.
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Retirement Support — Retirement offerings include a 401(k) with employer contribution in the U.S. and pension schemes in the UK, complemented by life and disability insurance. These elements are highlighted as part of a standard-to-competitive core package.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid time off, holidays, sick leave, and family leave are broadly available, with some sites offering a year‑end shutdown. Flexibility and local leave programs contribute to a generally well-rounded time‑off offering.
LGC Insights
What We Do
LGC is a leading, global life science tools company, providing mission-critical components and solutions into high-growth application areas across the human healthcare and applied market segments. Its high quality product portfolio is comprised of mission-critical tools for genomic analysis and for quality assurance applications, which are typically embedded and recurring within our customers’ products and workflows and are valued for their performance, quality and range. LGC’s tools play a key role in customer workflows from discovery applications through to commercial manufacture and enable its customers to: bring new diagnostics and therapies to market; progress research and development; optimise food production; and continuously monitor and enhance the quality of food, the environment and consumer products. LGC’s 175+ years of scientific heritage, combined with a track record of innovation and value-enhancing acquisitions, has enabled the company to build its product portfolio and expertise, and develop deep relationships with customers, industry partners and the global scientific community. LGC’s core purpose of Science for a safer world and its core values of passion, curiosity, integrity, brilliance and respect, drive its culture. As of 30 June 2021, it employs 4,350 employees, of which over 1,175 employees hold PhD and/or master’s degrees. Its products and services are delivered by highly qualified and experienced teams, operating from a global network of accredited sites that showcase its scientific and manufacturing capabilities.
