Potency Assay Scientist - job 1 of 2

The Potency Assay Scientist at Eurofins Scientific is responsible for optimizing, transferring, qualifying, and validating potency assays utilized for the release and characterization of cell and gene therapy products. They serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in potency assays, execute complex GMP release and stability assays, including functional assays and various molecular techniques, and also author and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and technical reports to ensure compliance and quality.

To qualify for the Potency Assay Scientist position at Eurofins Scientific, candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree with 3-8 years of experience, a Master's degree with 2-5 years of experience, or a PhD with limited experience. A strong background in cell culture, molecular biology techniques, and experience in GMP labs is essential. Candidates must also demonstrate proficiency with data analysis software and have solid communication skills to collaborate effectively.

Eurofins Scientific is committed to nurturing the talent and expertise of its Potency Assay Scientists through various professional development opportunities. With access to comprehensive training programs, participation in impactful projects, and a collaborative work environment, scientists at Eurofins can enhance their technical skills, grow their knowledge base, and advance their careers within the company.

Working as a Potency Assay Scientist at Eurofins Scientific means being part of a vibrant and inclusive team. The work environment encourages collaboration, innovation, and scientific excellence, and you will have opportunities to engage with cross-functional groups on exciting projects. Eurofins takes pride in fostering a supportive culture that values teamwork and individual contributions.

Key skills for a Potency Assay Scientist at Eurofins Scientific include a solid understanding of cell culture, molecular biology techniques, and immunoassays. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities are critical for executing assays effectively. Excellent communication skills are also essential for collaborating with cross-functional teams and documenting results in SOPs and technical reports.

In your response, detail the specific potency assays you’ve worked with, including your role in optimizing, validating, and executing them. Highlight any particular techniques, such as flow cytometry or ELISA, and discuss how you ensured compliance with GMP regulations during these processes. Be sure to emphasize your analytical skills in troubleshooting any challenges that arose.

When answering this question, provide an example of a challenge you faced in a GMP lab setting, such as issues with assay consistency or compliance discrepancies. Discuss the actions you took to resolve the issue, such as collaborating with team members to investigate the root cause and implementing corrective measures, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively.

Discuss the importance of establishing robust protocols and adhering to SOPs in your response. Mention your experience in tracking and trending data to monitor assay performance and consistency. You can also include how you integrate quality controls and validation steps in your workflow to enhance the reliability of the results you report.

Outline the molecular biology techniques you’re proficient in, such as ddPCR, qPCR, or transfections. Provide examples of how you’ve applied these techniques in previous roles, specifically in relation to potency assays, and articulate your understanding of their applications in a GMP environment to demonstrate your expertise.

Share a specific example of a project where you collaborated with different functions, detailing your role and contributions. Focus on how you communicated effectively with team members from various disciplines, enabling successful outcomes while ensuring everyone was aligned with the project goals.

Emphasize your proactive approach to professional development by discussing how you stay current with industry trends, such as reading scientific journals, attending workshops or conferences, and participating in webinars. You can also mention any professional networks or communities you engage with that focus on assay development.

Discuss a systematic approach to troubleshooting, detailing the steps you take to identify potential sources of errors in your assays. Mention your experience with investigating assay inconsistencies, hypothesizing potential causes, and experimenting with modifications to resolve issues. Highlight your analytical skills and collaborative spirit when seeking input from team members.

In your response, highlight your familiarity with specific data analysis software like JMP. Discuss how you’ve used these tools to interpret assay results, generate meaningful insights, and enhance the reliability of your findings. This could include your experience in analyzing trends, comparing data sets, or creating reports.

Explain your understanding of GMP guidelines and their importance in research settings. Discuss your experience in writing SOPs, conducting audits, and ensuring meticulous documentation practices to maintain compliance. Share how you prioritize quality control and foster a culture of adherence to regulations among your peers.

Articulate how SOPs provide essential guidelines for laboratory processes and the significance of following them to ensure accuracy, safety, and compliance with regulatory standards. You can illustrate this by giving examples of how SOPs have aided you in conducting assays efficiently in the past.