Research Specialist, NGS Biochemistry

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 TitleResearch Specialist, NGS Biochemistry
Location(s)GSK (Collegeville) - Customer Site PA

Job Description

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 Upper Providence, PA. 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 R&D activities in the field of biology and life sciences research 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 can develop in PerkinElmer’s scientific arena. The role will report to a dedicated PerkinElmer team leader and will be based at the GSK Upper Providence 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 and 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.
• Maintain training and compliance in areas of health and safety, security, environmental and operational aspects of daily activities in the working environment.
• Actively seek opportunities to develop the service by discussion with the team leader and customer or by sharing the best practice(s) with other groups.
• Operate to approved quality standards.
• Work independently and flexibly depending on team priorities and set realistic work schedules to support requirements.  

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities of this job at any time.  

Critical Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.
• Self-motivated and able to work under pressure to prioritize conflicting deadlines.
• An ability to meet timelines successfully with the utmost attention to detail while setting high performance standards.
• Service orientated attitude combined with innovative thinking.
• Strong interpersonal skills; strong team player with customer satisfaction focus
• Ability to execute new and established methods and protocols.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and communicate complex scientific data.
• Understanding of standard software packages (i.e. Microsoft Office).
• Ability to operate within company and/or customer site safety codes of practice. 

Basic Qualifications 

• BSc or equivalent in a relevant scientific subject (e.g. Biology, Biotechnology or Biomedical Sciences), with relevant laboratory experience.
• 1-2 years of demonstrated work in a laboratory environment following defined protocols and SOPs, performing cell culture and several laboratory bioassays using manual and automated techniques.
• Working experience with skilled laboratory techniques such as flow cytometry, ELISA, qPCR, Next Generation Sequencing and cellular imaging.
• Knowledgeable in good laboratory practices (GLP) and good laboratory safety practices. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Masters or Doctorate qualification in a relevant scientific subject (e.g. Biology, Biotechnology or Biomedical Sciences).
• A proven background of training staff in laboratory techniques.
• Computational skills preferred for enabling automated data acquisition and analysis, and familiarity with related data analysis applications.
• Knowledge of GCP, GCLP and GMP principles in the pharmaceutical environment.
• Knowledge of 5S and/or 6 sigma principles is a plus. 

Working Environment

• • Employees will be provided with PerkinElmer polo shirts to be worn when on site.
• Must be able to work in a laboratory and controlled environments requiring personal protective equipment (e.g., lab coat, safety glasses, etc.).
• Work with biohazards upon completion of blood borne pathogen surveillance.
• Hepatitis B vaccination may be required, vaccination programme in place for successful candidates who are not already vaccinated or require updated boosters. Opt out optional.
• Job pace may be fast and job completion demands may be high.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position more than 25% of the time
• The person needs to occasionally move between laboratories, corridors, adjoining rooms, and buildings onsite. Occasional travel to other customer sites may be needed.
• Frequently operate on instruments, objects, tools or controls, which will require regularly bending, squatting, stretching and reaching to perform in a service function.
• Occasionally move or lift up to 25 pounds (potential for occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds).
• Specific vision abilities required by this position include without limitation, the ability to observe details at close range distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus to perform the essential service functions of this position.
• Operation of a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
• The employee may be required to manage hazardous waste in compliance with company procedures and local and national hazardous waste regulations. Duties may include identifying, handling, generating, accumulating, storing, labelling.
• Potential risk to lab-based hazards including but not limited to extreme temperature, biological materials, and hazardous chemicals.
• May be required to complete Medical Clearance, Respiratory Protection Training, and Fit Testing to wear a respirator as protection against hazards present in the laboratory environment. 

The annual compensation range for this full-time position is $70,000 to $75,000. The final base pay offered to the successful candidate will be determined by factors including internal equity, work location, as well as individual qualifications, such as job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

PerkinElmer is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. PerkinElmer is committed to a culturally diverse workforce.