Research Assistant

Research Assistant

• Location: Storrs, CT / Groton, CT (No Relocation Available)
• Industry: Pharmaceutical
• Salary: $23/hr. and up based on experience
• Shift: Days
• Employment Type: Direct Hire

AVS Bio is a global leader in biologics with more than 60 years of innovation supporting the development of vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and breakthrough scientific research that protects human and animal health worldwide.

The Research Assistant supports AVS Bio's Animal Health R&D team by conducting laboratory research activities, contributing to new product development, and ensuring accurate data collection and documentation. This role will initially be based in Storrs, CT to support active testing initiatives before transitioning to the company’s R&D laboratory in Groton, CT. This is an excellent entry‑level opportunity for a motivated science graduate eager to build hands‑on experience in biologics research.

• Design, execute, and document laboratory experiments in support of new animal health biological product development.
• Conduct assay development and optimization, including PCR, ELISA, Western Blot, and other molecular and immunological techniques.
• Perform bacterial culture preparation, virus propagation, and virus isolation in support of ongoing research programs.
• Support Quality Control by performing analytical testing, validating new laboratory procedures, and ensuring results meet established specifications.
• Participate in troubleshooting of existing assays and products; identify root causes and recommend corrective actions.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data; maintain thorough and accurate laboratory records and notebooks.
• Assist in the preparation of study reports, data summaries, and presentations for internal review.
• Provide regular research progress updates to R&D leadership during team meetings.
• Contribute to the development and revision of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and other controlled documents.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, perform routine instrument maintenance, and manage inventory of research supplies.
• Ensure data integrity, quality control, and full compliance with applicable regulatory and safety protocols.
• Perform other research‑related duties as assigned.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Animal Science, or a related life sciences field required.
• Experience: 0–2 years of hands‑on laboratory experience. Relevant coursework, internships, or research rotations will be considered.
• Licensure: None required.
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required. Experience with PCR and other molecular biology techniques preferred. Hands‑on cell culture experience is a plus. Familiarity with ELISA, Western Blot, or other immunological assays desirable.
• Other: Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines. Collaborative team player with solid written and verbal communication skills. Experience working with poultry or other avian species is a plus.

• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and use hands to operate laboratory equipment and computers.
• Must be able to occasionally lift and carry materials; ability to bend as needed.
• Ability to perform repetitive hand/wrist motions associated with laboratory work.

• Works in a laboratory environment with regular exposure to chemicals, biological agents, and laboratory equipment.
• Required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, lab coat, and eye protection at all times in the lab.
• Occasional work with live chickens; exposure to allergens and/or zoonotic disease is possible.
• Moderate noise level typical of a laboratory setting.
• Weekend and/or holiday work may occasionally be required based on project needs.

• What is included in the biosecurity requirement? Employees may not own or have contact with live birds of any kind, including backyard poultry, ducks, turkeys, wild, or exotic birds, or visit farms, fairs, or other locations with bird exposure.
• What other animal contact is prohibited? Prohibited…