Research Associate 1

DESCRIPTION – Research Associate 1

BioMarin is the world leader in delivering therapeutics that provide meaningful advances to patients who live with serious and life-threatening rare genetic diseases. We target diseases that lack effective therapies and affect relatively small numbers of patients, many of whom are children. These conditions are often inherited, difficult to diagnose, progressively debilitating and have few, if any, treatment options. BioMarin will continue to focus on advancing therapies that are the first or best of their kind.

BioMarin’s Technical Operations group is responsible for creating our drugs for use in clinical trials and for scaling production of those drugs for the commercial market. The Analytical Sciences department supports all assay needs in Tech Ops. Our 50+ Scientists and Research Associates are experts in analytics of small molecules, peptides, proteins/enzymes, and gene therapy agents. We develop assays to follow the quality attributes of our products, support IND and BLA applications, and assess the capability of our production processes. We develop release assays and are responsible for lot release and stability testing for early-stage clinical programs (tox, development, GMP lots), and support assay transfer to Quality for late-stage programs. We are also instrumental in time-critical analysis support to Manufacturing as needed. Come join our team and make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives.

SUMMARY

Analytical Sciences at BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. is seeking a Research Associate to join an Analytical Development team focused on development of cell-based analytical methods and immunoassays and supporting early stage, clinical, and commercial programs. The successful candidate will be a self-motivated and critical thinker possessing solid communication and record-keeping skills.

Under supervision of a scientist, the candidate will be responsible for developing and characterizing new analytical methods as well as comparing new analytical methods with existing or alternative methods. In addition, the candidate will be expected to contribute to sample testing, sample testing records, assay performance trending, critical reagent testing, and to development of test procedures and qualification documents for assay transfers as well as all other duties as assigned. The selected candidate should possess excellent organizational, analytical and communication skills and be a self-starter willing to work efficiently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.

An ideal candidate will have experience in molecular, cellular, and immunology-based assays as well as an interest or experience in learning flow cytometry, high throughput imaging, and automation. A good scientific understanding of molecular and cellular biology is essential. Prior work experience in a laboratory setting is desired.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Under manager’s supervision:
  • Develop eukaryotic cell bioassays including viral vector, live virus, and transfection
  • Develop molecular biology-based assays including nucleic acid isolation and quantitation
  • Develop protein quantitation and activity assays by biochemical methods
  • Develop immunoassays
  • Develop imaging-based assays and flow cytometry-based assays
  • Catalogue data/reports electronically for review
• As requested by manager:
  • Provide quantitative analysis of data and interpretation of results.
  • Report progress on a regular basis.
  • Compose methods, qualification reports, and data reports
  • Present data regularly in group meetings; communicate plans and results

EXPERIENCE

Required Skills:

• Nucleic acid extractions, PCR, and eukaryotic cell culture
• Excellent skills with detailed lab records
• Effective collaboration on teams
• Excellent verbal communication, collaboration and writing skills
• Proven data analysis, interpretation, and scientific communication skills
• Proven flexibility and execution skills to deliver in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment

Desired Skills:

• Viral vector transduction, immunoassay, and biochemical assay experience
• Experienced in the molecular, cellular, and biochemical biology research
• Established skills from a cross-functional environment
• Knowledge of biopharmaceutical development
• Preference for prior experience in GMP setting

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Biology, or Biochemistry.

EQUIPMENT

ddPCR, qPCR, liquid handling systems and other automated systems, plate readers, multiple imaging systems including confocal and automated imaging, BSC, incubators, nanodrop, centrifuges, flow cytometer, and others as needed

CONTACTS

Will report to a PhD Scientist in Analytical Sciences.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY

No immediate supervisory role.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

In the U.S., the salary range for this position is $ 65,600 to $ 98,400 per year, which factors in various geographic regions. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A discretionary bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.